Photo Collage of Emmanuel Rudder and Kitwana Israel
The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) is taking another bold step to strengthen the nation’s creative industries with the launch of the Songwriting Workshop, a four-day intensive programme designed to equip aspiring and emerging songwriters with the creative, technical, and business skills needed to succeed in today’s evolving music industry.
Scheduled for 24 – 27 November 2026 with time and venue to be announced, the workshop forms part of the Commission’s ongoing investment in music development and talent cultivation through its newly established Music Production & Artist Development Department, led by Devon “ChippyG” Joseph Jr.
The workshop will be facilitated by Kitwana Israel of AdvoKit Productions and Emmanuel Rudder, acclaimed Caribbean music professionals and accomplished songwriters and producers whose collective experience spans the Caribbean, North America, and Africa.
With more than a decade of experience as a producer and songwriter, Kitwana Israel has collaborated with some of the Caribbean’s most celebrated artists, including Kes, Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin, Patrice Roberts, Nailah Blackman, Skinny Fabulous, and Freetown Collective. His work reflects a deep commitment to advancing Caribbean culture and to creating opportunities for emerging creative talent.
Joining him is Emmanuel Rudder, a songwriter, producer, and creative mentor with more than two decades of industry experience. Rudder has written and co-written numerous regional hits for artists including Machel Montano, Patrice Roberts, Kes, Benjai, Nailah Blackman, Denise Belfon, and Ricardo Drue. His extensive catalogue includes two Soca Monarch-winning productions and the co-written Olympic anthem “Conqueror,” performed by Kes.
More than a traditional classroom experience, the Antigua Songwriting Workshop is designed as a hands-on creative incubator where participants will have the opportunity to conceptualize, write, record, and develop an original song from inception to completion.
Participants will receive practical training in:
Songwriting techniques and creative processes
Concept development and storytelling
Freestyling, toplining, and traditional songwriting
Vocal recording and production
Harmonies, ad-libs, tuning, and editing
Copyright, publishing, and music rights management
Music distribution, marketing, and promotion
Contracts, pricing, and music business models
Navigating the opportunities and challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in music
In addition, participants will gain valuable insight into every stage of the modern music production process, including recording, vocal production, mixing, mastering, artwork development, and digital release strategies.
The programme will conclude with a specialized media training session focused on artist branding, radio interviews, and public engagement, helping participants develop the confidence and communication skills necessary to promote themselves and their work effectively.
“The Songwriting Workshop represents exactly the type of strategic investment we must make if we are serious about building a stronger and more competitive music industry. Talent exists in abundance across Antigua and Barbuda, but talent must be nurtured, developed, and connected to opportunity. Through our new Music Production & Artist Development Department, we are creating clear pathways for artists, songwriters, and producers to sharpen their craft, access industry expertise, and position themselves for success on regional and international stages. This workshop is not a one-off initiative. It is part of a larger vision to develop our music ecosystem, empower our creatives, and ensure that Antiguan and Barbudan music continues to make its mark across the world,” said Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul, Chairperson of the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission.
With very limited places remaining, interested participants in the writers’ workshop are urged to secure their place without delay. Registration can be made by submitting your name, email address, and contact number via WhatsApp at (268) 727-9201 or by emailing them to info.nfo@ab.gov.ag. An acknowledgement of receipt by email or WhatsApp confirms registration. The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission firmly believes that a thriving cultural sector is built on education, mentorship, and meaningful access to industry. By connecting local talent directly with accomplished regional professionals, the Commission is creating opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and long-term growth in the music industry.
As Antigua and Barbuda continues to expand its cultural footprint throughout the Caribbean and beyond, initiatives such as the Songwriting Workshop serve as a powerful reminder that the future of the nation’s music industry lies not only in celebrating talent but in actively developing it.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua & Barbuda Festivals Commission to Host Four-Day Songwriting Workshop.