The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) recently completed its six-day Music Producers’ Masterclass: Audio Essentials, with 61 participants receiving certificates of completion.
Hailed as a transformative experience, the training left attendees energised and better equipped to elevate the country’s music industry.
The masterclass was led by Kasey Phillips, CEO and Founder of Precision Productions, whose credits include work with international superstars such as Ciara, Chris Brown, and Toni Braxton, as well as Caribbean icons Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin, and Antigua’s Tian Winter.
Joined by members of his Precision Productions team, Phillips delivered immersive, hands-on training sessions for producers, engineers, songwriters, and musicians at the State Insurance Company Limited Conference Centre on Independence Avenue.
Attendees described the experience as eye-opening and unifying.
During the closing ceremony, Petley O’Keiffe, Director of National Festivals, praised participants for their commitment to honing their skills and strengthening the creative economy.
Delivering remarks on behalf of ABFC Chairperson, Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul, Senator Michael Freeland, Deputy Chair of the Commission, emphasised the Commission’s dedication to showcasing Antigua and Barbuda’s music on the global stage.
Minister of Education, Sports and Creative Industries, Daryll S. Matthew, encouraged graduates to pursue music professionally, not as a side pursuit.
“One way to achieve immortality is through great music, and this is your passport. Your commitment to attending all these Masterclasses demonstrates your dedication to producing world-class work,” Matthew said.
The program also featured an historic contribution from Clarence ‘Oungku’ Edwards of the Original Burning Flames, who gave rare insight into the origins of Benna Music, deepening participants’ understanding of Antigua’s musical heritage.
Inspired by this exchange, Kasey Phillips and the group produced two crossover rhythms during the workshop, including the officially named Antigua Festivals Rhythm. Phillips urged local artists to begin recording on the rhythm now, with an eye towards Carnival, 2026.
The week culminated with the debut of an original track, written and produced by participants of the masterclass, featuring vocals from Tian Winter.
