Former Rap Star Shyne Set to Inspire at the 2026 Island Music Conference Keynote

The Island Music Conference (IMC) has unveiled that Grammy Award-winner and Belizean politician Shyne will serve as the keynote speaker for its 2026 gathering. Scheduled for February 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Courtleigh Auditorium, New Kingston, Jamaica, he will present an address titled “From Stage to State.” Jamal Michael Barrow, known as Shyne, initially gained fame after being discovered in a Brooklyn barbershop, which led to a deal with Bad Boy Records. His self-titled debut album in 2000 achieved platinum certifications with popular tracks like "Bad Boyz" and "Bonnie & Shyne" featuring Barrington Levy. Collaborating with icons such as The Notorious B.I.G. and Usher, his career faced a significant challenge after a 1999 nightclub shooting. Convicted in 2001, he served a decade behind bars, releasing "Godfather Buried Alive" in 2004. Afterward, Shyne ventured into politics, serving as Belize's Member of Parliament until March 2025. At IMC 2026, he will discuss his transformative journey from music to politics, illustrating their intertwined significance.