Sixty-One Creatives Certified as ABFC Concludes Transformative Music Masterclass

The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) has wrapped up a six-day Music Producers’ Masterclass that many are already describing as “transformative” for the nation’s creative industry. Sixty-one participants received certificates of completion after an intensive week of training in audio essentials led by internationally acclaimed producer Kasey Phillips of Precision Productions.

Phillips, whose résumé includes work with stars such as Ciara, Chris Brown, Toni Braxton, Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin, and Antigua’s own Tian Winter, brought his team to the State Insurance Company Limited Conference Centre where they delivered hands-on training for producers, engineers, songwriters, and musicians.

Participants praised the program as groundbreaking.

“Money well spent by the Commission,” one artist said. “From day one, Kasey spoke a language I’ve been trying to tap into. Even the engineering component, something I knew nothing about, offered valuable insights. Watching him work was witnessing genius in motion.”

Another participant highlighted the spirit of unity: “It was humbling to see Antigua’s top artists, DJs, and producers leave egos at the door. We came as a unit and soaked up every offering from the Masterclass.”

At the Closing Ceremony, Director of National Festivals Petley O’Keiffe applauded the graduates for seizing the opportunity to sharpen their craft. Sen. Hon. Michael Freeland, Deputy Chair of ABFC, delivered remarks on behalf of Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul, Chairlady of the Commission, affirming the body’s mission to place Antiguan and Barbudan music firmly on the global stage.

Hon. Daryll S. Matthew, Minister of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries, told participants their commitment signaled a step toward professionalism and global reach.

“One way to achieve immortality is through great music, and this is your passport,” he said. “One participant told me, ‘Minister, after this class, my prices gone up!’ That’s the kind of growth we want to see.”

The week also featured a rare presentation by Oungku of the Original Burning Flames, who offered participants insight into the origins of Benna Music, Antigua’s national genre. Inspired by this session, Phillips collaborated with participants to create two new crossover rhythms, including the Antigua Festivals Rhythm, and urged artists to begin recording for Carnival 2026.

The Masterclass ended on a high note with the debut of an original track written and produced during the workshop, featuring vocals by Tian Winter—an achievement seen as a symbol of collaboration, growth, and national pride.

“This Masterclass is more than just a program—it’s a movement,” the ABFC said in a statement, extending thanks to sponsors including the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, the Citizens by Investment Unit, Stonewall Sound System, KOSCAB, Chef Beard, and Joe Mikes.

Phillips encouraged participants to keep experimenting and to build on the network created over the past week: “Don’t be afraid to try new things. We’ve created a community here to lean on each other. That’s how I was able to build my career and collaborate on major projects.”

The ABFC says this initiative represents a concrete step toward professionalizing the nation’s music industry, ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda’s creatives are equipped to compete globally while remaining rooted in their cultural identity.