AI, Rights, and the Future of Global Music at Island Music Conference

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The future of music took center stage at the 2026 Island Music Conference with the groundbreaking panel “AI ARTISTES – A Music Industry Game Changer.” The conversation convened global leaders across music, law, technology, and creative entrepreneurship to explore how artificial intelligence is redefining artistry, ownership, and infrastructure in the entertainment industry.

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Moderated by Chitra Nawbatt — Host, Investor, Entrepreneur, and Author — the discussion delivered a powerful blend of strategic foresight and practical insight. Nawbatt guided panelists through pressing questions surrounding innovation, ethics, scalability, and sustainability in an AI-powered creative economy.

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Scaling the Impossible: AI as a Force Multiplier​

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Colin Gayle, of Africa Creative Agency and manager to global superstar Tyla, emphasized AI’s ability to radically increase productivity and operational efficiency.

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Gayle stated that AI can effectively perform the work of “1,000 employees — faster and more efficiently,” reshaping how labels, agencies, and creative teams operate. From marketing rollouts to data analytics and audience targeting, AI is rapidly becoming an indispensable engine behind global music campaigns.

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Protecting Creators in the Age of Algorithms

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Venus Rose, Founder of Haus of Creators and A.I. SECTOR, brought a critical creator-first perspective to the conversation. Rose underscored the urgency of establishing stronger protections around:

 

• Intellectual Property ownership

• Data usage transparency

• Fair compensation models

• AI training ethics

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She addressed how evolving legislation, including frameworks influenced by the CARES Act, signals the need for adaptive policy models that support creative entrepreneurs in times of technological and economic disruption.

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“Creators must understand not only how to use AI,” Rose shared, “but how to protect themselves within it.”

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AI Artists, Legal Frontiers & Digital Identity

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Music & Entertainment Lawyer Bernie Lawrence-Watkins expanded the discussion into legal territory, referencing her client Xania Monet, an AI-powered music artist navigating new territory in performance rights, likeness ownership, and contractual frameworks. Lawrence-Watkins highlighted the emerging complexities surrounding AI vocal replication, digital identity licensing, and copyright enforcement — areas where legislation is still catching up to innovation.

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“Keep Creating” – The Call to Action

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Closing the session on an empowering note, Omar Johnson of OPUS Intelligence encouraged artists, executives, and entrepreneurs not to fear AI, but to embrace it. Johnson urged the audience to continue experimenting with AI tools, reminding creatives that technology has always reshaped art — and those who adapt early often lead the next era.

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A Defining Moment for the Industry

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“AI ARTISTES – A Music Industry Game Changer” stood as one of the most forward-thinking sessions at the 2026 Island Music Conference, reflecting a pivotal moment in global music culture. As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, the panel made one thing clear: the future of music will belong to those who innovate boldly — while protecting creativity, ownership, and human expression at its core.

For more information about the Island Music Conference and upcoming programming, visit:

https://www.islandmusicconference.com

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The AI ARTISTES panel team also extends sincere appreciation to S Hotel Kingston for providing an exceptional luxury stay during the conference. From its elevated design to its world-class hospitality, S Hotel Kingston created the perfect environment for creativity, connection, and forward-thinking dialogue — a true reflection of the innovation and excellence celebrated throughout the Island Music Conference.

https://www.shotelsjamaica.com