Prime Minister Gaston Browne says his recent entry into the music industry is less about personal ambition and more about challenging young people in Antigua and Barbuda to think bigger about their creative potential.

During his weekend radio programme, The Browne and Browne Show, the prime minister explained that his work as a registered songwriter and producer — under the name Gassy Dread — is intended to demonstrate how modern technology can be harnessed to create globally competitive music.

Browne revealed that a collection of songs produced in collaboration with local producer Jus Bus has already been released on international streaming platforms, including Spotify and iTunes, generating royalty income through global plays. However, he stressed that financial gain was never the driving force behind the project.

Instead, he said his goal was to act as a catalyst for young creatives, encouraging them to use available digital tools to sharpen their writing, production, and musical skills, while expanding their outlook beyond local and regional markets.

“What I was trying to do was to show our people how technology can be used to enhance their skill sets — from writing to production,” Browne explained, noting that innovation is essential if artists hope to compete internationally.

The prime minister also cautioned aspiring musicians against over-reliance on artificial intelligence, warning that music platforms are increasingly rejecting submissions that lack meaningful human contribution due to plagiarism and authenticity concerns.

He explained that while AI tools may be used in certain aspects of production, his own work involves substantial human input, particularly in songwriting and arrangement.

Browne advised creatives not to simply enter prompts into AI software and expect commercial success, saying such content lacks originality and market appeal.

Turning to the broader state of the local music industry, the prime minister reiterated his concern that many artists limit themselves to domestic competitions and regional audiences, which restricts international reach.

He argued that while Caribbean talent is undeniable, too often it remains underdeveloped because of narrow creative goals.

Pointing to the global success of artists like Rihanna and Bob Marley, Browne said Caribbean musicians must be willing to explore diverse genres and craft music that resonates beyond national borders.

“There is no reason why our people cannot produce music with true international appeal,” he said, adding that Caribbean artists are fully capable of competing globally once they broaden their creative horizons.

The prime minister concluded that the future of the creative arts depends on ambition, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace innovation — without losing the human creativity that defines authentic music.