Matthew Announces New ‘Young Roadmarch’ Category and Training Push at National Music Awards
Education, Sports and Creative Industries Minister Daryll Matthew used his address at the National Music Awards Tuesday night to outline government efforts to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s music industry, announcing a new youth competition for Carnival 2026 and highlighting expanded training opportunities for artists.
Speaking during the ceremony, Matthew began with a personal reflection on music, telling the audience that his inability to play an instrument remains a lifelong regret.
“I’ve never been able to play any instrument, and it has been one of the biggest regrets of my life,” Matthew said.
The minister joked that he once bought a guitar with the intention of learning but never followed through.
“I actually bought a guitar, and I don’t even know who has it now… but I’m going to learn to play an instrument one day,” he added.
Matthew also addressed the importance of corporate sponsorship in supporting cultural events, noting that while businesses are sometimes criticized for not contributing enough, organizers and artists must also ensure that their events and productions are presented professionally.
“A lot of times we criticize the corporate community here in Antigua and Barbuda for not stepping up to the plate and supporting different initiatives,” he said. “Sometimes we criticize without appreciating the challenges they may be facing.”
He added that those seeking sponsorship must also ensure their offerings are worthy of investment.
“We seek their support sometimes without accepting that the product that we’re selling is not worthy of being bought because of how we’re presenting it,” Matthew said.
Turning to the development of local talent, Matthew said the government, the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission and other partners are expanding initiatives aimed at training musicians and industry professionals.
“The government, the Festivals Commission, and all of our stakeholder partners are committed to continuous training,” he said.
He pointed to the Audio Essentials Music Producers Masterclass hosted last year with internationally recognized producer Casey Phillips as an example, noting that several local artists were able to participate in the programme free of charge.
“It is really a permanent shift towards training for professional excellence,” Matthew said.
The minister also addressed young musicians in the audience, encouraging them to see themselves as the future of the country’s music industry.
“You are the next generation… the heirs to the throne of the kings and the knights that I’ve mentioned earlier,” he said.
Matthew then announced that a new competition category will be introduced for Carnival 2026 aimed specifically at young performers.
“We in the Festivals Commission and the government have created a new category for Carnival 2026… a category of the Young Roadmarch,” he said.
The category will allow junior soca artists, junior calypsonians and junior jam bands to compete in their own division.
“We’ve done that because we believe that it’s important to give our young people a space for them to compete and to operate amongst their peers,” Matthew said.
He noted that the initiative does not prevent young artists from competing in the senior categories but ensures that emerging talent has a dedicated platform to develop their craft and gain recognition.
Matthew closed by congratulating the nominees and award winners and encouraging continued collaboration among artists, promoters and industry partners to elevate Antigua and Barbuda’s music both regionally and internationally.
The National Music Awards recognized performers, producers and cultural contributors across several categories, celebrating the breadth of talent within Antigua and Barbuda’s music industry.
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