Industry experts, performers aficionados and officials are thronging Needhams Point, they’re networking close to home yet in an ambient setting thanks to the Caribbean Music Summit at Hilton Barbados with February 3rd as the grand finale…

This initiative from SyncSummit’s CEO Mark Frieser is to provide a smooth segue for MIDEM, now set for June in 2015 from their regular slot. Mark observed; “After attending Caribbean Music Summit in Barbados, then executives and players can head for the Grammy Awards and still have time to prepare for MIDEM later in the year!”

Sunday night was the Caribbean debut of “Kunta Kinteh Island” which examines the events leading to the renaming of James Island to Kunta Kinteh Island in The Gambia, West Africa. The 90 minute feature, slated for a direct to DVD audience, was the brainchild of Elvin Ross, one of Tyler Perry’s main composers for his own lineup of movies with Lionsgate films. Elvin’s own credits include creator and executive producer of the television award winning Gospel Dream Talent Search as seen on BET and GMC.

Monday morning had many valuable training sessions for music directors, research agents, talent scouts and copyright attorneys and other members of the field which included insights from former neurosurgeon and music guru Mathew Knowles – manager of Destiny’s Child & father to Beyoncé. The evening segment showcased Barbadian talent and other performers at Charles Fort, allowing mingling to continue at a more relaxed pace.

Barbados was chosen as the venue due to its many great musicians who need to meet directly with the right businesspeople in the industry, both Mark Frieser and Farinoush Mostaghimi felt Barbadians deserve to have the chance to take their business to the next level which would also help Barbados’ tourism and economy.

Mark revealed this way patrons can not only secure their crucial deals but still have fun while declaring a legitimate expense. He added the seminar’s fee structure will take Barbadians into consideration yet look to draw vitally necessary foreign exchange into the local economy both directly and indirectly. It will be an amazing start of the new year for music industry professionals, especially with moving MIDEM to June.

Caribbean Music Summit’s co-founder Farinoush Mostaghimi, President of SynchAudio, remains overjoyed at Mark’s concept. “His hard work paid off,” Farinoush observed. She was impressed with Mark’s networking to get the show into reality. This is also familiar territory to the music executive, as she’s both a fan and supporter of Barbadian music.

Stephen Lashley, Minister of Culture, in addressing the official opening the Caribbean Music Summit used the conference as a launchpad to invite relevant participation via the online registry of Barbadian performers at the new website of barbadosartists.bb where once listed, can enable players in the Barbados music field to access incentives and tax concessions.

Locally, The Caribbean Music Summit is a significant brand building and revenue generation opportunity for the tourism industry, companies and artists in Barbados. The participation of numerous high net worth attendees boosts occupancy, fills restaurants and supports other businesses throughout Barbados over the week of the event, it will also provide them with positive exposure to the lifestyle, culture and business environment of Barbados.