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The Island Music Conference has announced Shyne as keynote speaker for IMC 2026. The Grammy Award-winning artist turned politician is expected to address IMC participants on February 26, 2026 at the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston.
Shyne rose from a Brooklyn barbershop discovery to Bad Boy Records stardom. His 2000 debut album went platinum. Singles "Bad Boyz" and "Bonnie & Shyne" featuring Barrington Levy became commercial hits.
He contributed to albums by The Notorious B.I.G., Mase, Puff Daddy, Usher, and Lil Wayne. A 1999 nightclub shooting changed his trajectory. Shyne was convicted of assault and unlawful weapon possession in 2001. He served 10 years.
During incarceration, he released his sophomore album "Godfather Buried Alive" through Def Jam in 2004. After prison, Shyne entered politics in Belize. He served as Member of Parliament f rom November 2020 to March 2025. On September 26, 2025, he marked the 25th anniversary of his platinum debut album.
His keynote "From Stage to State" explores his journey from music to politics and back again.
IMC 2026 runs February 25- 28.
