For all intents and purpose, he is Gaston Browne, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, but for a few hours on Friday night, he was ‘Bongo Nattie’, song-writer and music producer who was debuting his new album at Wato Night Club, a popular spot for what has been described as ‘cultural people’.
The prime minister has collaborated with well-known producer, Jus Bus, to produce a record album featuring songs where the lyrics and much of the music were generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Because the music was predominantly reggae, the prime minister chose Wato to release the music before a LIVE audience.
PM Browne reflected on the songs performed at Wato and how deeply they connected with him and the audience. He noted that tracks like Together We Rise, Together We Heal carried strong emotional weight, particularly as they touched on themes of family, community, and mental health.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the ‘embrace and love shown by the people, remarking that he felt at home among them. For him, the evening underscored that he is not just a political figure but ‘one of them’, a son of the community who grew up among the same people now cheering him on.
A Historic Night at Wato
The gathering at Wato was described as nothing short of historic. Several attendees highlighted that it was ‘the first time a Prime Minister had ever attended an event at Watu’, breaking barriers of formality and bringing leadership closer to the people.
In contrast to past administrations, where official visits were often marked by heavy police presence and rigid formality, PM Browne’s attendance was relaxed and approachable. Citizens recognized the moment as one of unity and inclusivity.
One man was quoted as saying, “This is history.” For many, the Prime Minister’s presence represented not just political leadership but also cultural and communal solidarity.
Music, AI, and Climate Change
The discussion turned to the innovative role of ‘artificial intelligence (AI)’ in music creation. PM Browne explained that the quality of output from AI tools like ChatGPT depends heavily on the ‘knowledge and input of the user’. He stressed that strong subject knowledge leads to more meaningful lyrical content.
Using ‘climate change’ as an example, the prime minister described how his experience in international climate negotiations enabled him to produce ‘world-class lyrics’ that captured critical issues such as:
* The 1.5°C global warming threshold
* Loss and damage compensation
* Adaptation and mitigation strategies
* The reduction of emissions
* Protection of mountains, seas, and forests
* The fight against climate “atrocities” and ecocide
One composition, titled “No Planet B,” drew directly from his longstanding advocacy. For years, he has warned that there is no alternative to protecting Earth, and this conviction became the driving force behind the song.
Another song on littering was sparked by his oft-repeated statement that “to litter is a sin.” AI carried this theme into a full lyrical piece, showing how technology can expand even the smallest ideas into impactful artistic expressions.
Overcoming Skepticism About AI in Music
Initially, music producer Jus Bus, who collaborated on the tracks, was skeptical of AI-generated lyrics. He viewed the process as “flawed” and “unreal.” However, after working with the Prime Minister on recent projects, his perspective shifted. He was so impressed by the results that he now plans to return from Seattle to Antigua to help other artists harness AI in their music production.
This shift highlighted AI’s ability to ‘level the playing field’, especially in regions like the Caribbean where artists often lack resources such as full studios, arrangers, or orchestras. AI tools, PM Browne emphasized, allow local talent to compete globally, regardless of financial constraints.
