The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission continues its commitment to strengthening the nation’s creative industries with the launch of its FREE Music Development Masterclass , a five-day immersive training experience designed to equip emerging and established music professionals with practical tools, industry knowledge, and strategies for long-term success in entertainment.
This Masterclass will run June 8 – 12, 2026 , from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM daily at the Eustace Hill Campus (formerly ABIIT), Coolidge , designed for artistes, visual creatives, producers, DJs, songwriters, managers, dancers, writers and other music professionals who are serious about elevating their craft and careers. The Masterclass will focus on four key pillars:
Participants will receive focused training in:
• Songwriting, Mixing and Mastering
• Music Distribution
• Copyright and Intellectual Property
• Marketing and Visual Branding
Participants will benefit from in-depth sessions led by regional and international industry professionals:
Daryll Gervais – Gervais Music: As a songwriter, manager, and producer, Daryll Gervais will bring seasoned industry insight to his session on songwriting, music placement, and the business of building songs that transcend borders.
With experience across multiple genres, television, and film, Daryll will share practical insights into creating music with purpose, longevity, and global potential, helping participants craft records that resonate far beyond Antigua and Barbuda.
Int’l Stephen – DSM Music Group: – Int’l Stephen, an international DJ, soca music ambassador, A&R, producer, festival curator, and event promoter, brings close to 25 years of experience in the Caribbean music and global Carnival ecosystem.
His session will explore how music, culture, and market development connect, offering a valuable perspective on:
- Building a sustainable career in entertainment
- Breaking into new markets
- Developing hit records
- Understanding the business of music from a global vantage point
Titan VCD – NXUS Collective Agency: – As a specialist in visual branding and marketing, Titan VCD will guide artistes, DJs, producers, creatives, and brands through the process of building a stronger, more professional presence. His session will focus on:
- Aligning visual identity, social media presence, performance persona, and brand message
- Creating impactful content that stands out in a crowded marketplace
- Ensuring clarity, consistency, and intention across all brand touchpoints
Together, these facilitators will equip participants with the tools to transform creativity into opportunity and talent into sustainable business.
Hon. Dwayne George, Minister of Sports and Creative Industries, emphasized the Government’s commitment to investing in Antigua and Barbuda’s creative talent: “This Masterclass represents another important step in our mission to professionalize and empower the creative community. By bringing experienced industry leaders to share practical, real-world knowledge—free of cost—we are investing directly in our artistes, producers, writers and music entrepreneurs. Our goal is not only to create great music for Carnival but also to build careers and businesses that can thrive year-round and compete on the global stage. I strongly encourage every serious music professional to seize this opportunity FREE.
Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul, Chairperson of the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, said, “This Masterclass is a continuation of our commitment to investing directly in our music and our creative professionals. By providing access to world-class knowledge and training, we are equipping our engineers, producers, writers, artistes, and creatives with the tools to expand their work beyond Carnival and ensure that Antigua and Barbuda’s Creative Industry is heard, seen, and felt on the global stage.”
Registration forms can be obtained physically from the National Festivals Office , 1st Floor, Cecil George-John Building, Corn Alley and Redcliffe Street, St. John’s.
Interested participants may also register by sending their:
• Full Name
• Email Address
• Contact Number
• Professional Area of Focus related to the workshop
via: WhatsApp: (268) 727-9201, Email: info.nfo@ab.gov.ag
Please note that spaces are limited and placement will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis to serious participants. For additional information, contact the National Festivals Office at 462-0194.
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission is calling on artistes, producers, DJs, engineers, songwriters, creatives, videographers, write and entertainment professionals to seize this opportunity to sharpen their skills, expand their networks, and strengthen their futures.
Build the music. Build the brand. Build the future. Register today.