Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced plans to establish an artificial intelligence (AI) music studio at the government’s ICT Centre, as part of efforts to encourage greater use of technology in Antigua and Barbuda’s creative industries.
Speaking on The Browne Show, the Prime Minister said preparations are already under way for the initiative, which aims to help local musicians produce and refine their work using AI tools.
“I want to set up an AI studio just next door here at the ICT Centre,” Browne said. “We’ll be purchasing about 10 Apple computers, and an entity in the United States has offered to provide between US$15,000 and US$20,000 worth of software free of charge for the programme.”
Browne credited local producer “Just Bus” for assisting with the project and said he expects the facility to be operational within 60 days.
The Prime Minister, who has shown a growing interest in digital production and AI-generated vocals, said the studio will help more Antiguans and Barbudans access modern music-making technologies.
He urged local artists to embrace a wide range of genres rather than limit themselves to traditional styles. “I want to see a proliferation of songs — different genres, not just soca and calypso,” he said. “When you look at Rihanna’s success as a global superstar, she’s shown that Caribbean talent can reach far beyond the diaspora.”
Browne also encouraged established artists to adapt to new creative tools. “Even the traditional artists need to open up their minds and allow technology to thrive,” he said. “Use it to enhance the music and the writing.”
He added that AI-based production tools allow musicians to refine their lyrics and compositions more easily than through traditional recording methods.
Highlighting the potential of local performers, Browne mentioned artists such as Tian Winter and Claudette “Menace” Peters, expressing hope that they would adopt these emerging technologies.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader vision to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among young people in the cultural and digital sectors.