Basseterre, St. Kitts, May 27, 2022 (SKNIS): The Ministry of Entrepreneurship, Entertainment and Talent Development (MoENT) is exploring the next steps following the success of the Business of Music workshop held from May 23rd to 26th, 2022, at the National ICT Centre.
The workshop exposed music artists in St Kitts and Nevis to key information and strategies designed to help enhance their understanding of the complex business operations of the international music industry.
At the closing ceremony on Thursday, MoENT’s Minister, the Honourable Akilah Byron-Nisbett, said that she was excited by the outcomes of the workshop facilitated by Kittitian-Canadian music icon Ivan Berry and a team of international industry professionals. She added that she has already had discussions with Mr. Berry on the next steps.
“Just briefly, we were already thinking about a songwriting boot camp so that we can bring in Grammy award-winning songwriters to come in and sit with our local songwriters and be able to collaborate on songs that can then be used in movies and be played internationally but with the idea that your name is part of this song,” Minister Byron-Nisbett stated.
Whenever these songs are played, the collaborating artists will make money in the form of royalties.
“It’s not just about having a good talent but it’s about how do you take this good talent that you have and make it into a lucrative career,” the minister added, noting that the revenue stream will still be open even if entertainment houses are not as witnessed during the restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister Byron-Nisbett encouraged the artists to use the information gained to further their business development. She also urged them to share what they learned with peers and to gear up for future initiatives. The minister thanked Mr. Berry and his team of facilitators which included Music Business Executive (USA), Max Gousse; Global Digital Distribution Executive, Spencer Mussellam; Music Publishing, Copyright and Performing Rights Executive, Derek Wilkie; Live Performance and Touring Executive, Davon Carty; and Social Media, Marketing and Brand Executive, Njeri Taitt.
