This summer, a dynamic convergence of culture, talent, and creativity is set to unfold in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee. From July 18–19, 2025, the Inspire Music & Arts Academy Foundation, in partnership with Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation and Curricspace, will host a high-impact Mini Summer Music Recording Camp—a two-day experience uniting middle and high school students from Nashville and The Bahamas.
This focused, hands-on introduction to professional music production is designed to foster interest in all areas of the musical process—from performance and composition to engineering and sound design. Sponsored by Event DK Solutions, Hard Bargain, Sound Space, Onin Staffing, and Vaughn L. Culmer & Associates Insurance Broker Ltd., the camp will culminate in a live studio recording session on July 19 at Top Track Studios, one of Nashville’s premier creative hubs.
Troika Hanna, son of Bahamian music legends Paul and Tanya Hanna, was instrumental in creating this cultural connection. A longtime resident of Nashville and Executive Director/Chair of Inspire Music and Arts Academy Foundation, it is Troika’s belief that music is key to teaching students cultural unity and creating a deeper understanding of the diverse world around them.
When asked about music’s role in creating harmony across cultures, Troika responded saying, “Music serves as a powerful bridge in this effort—it transcends language and geography, revealing both the unique characteristics and shared emotions of different cultures. Through music,” he continued, “students can explore the rhythms, stories, and values that connect us all. This is especially evident when comparing the vibrant, percussive celebration of Bahamian Junkanoo with the soulful, narrative-driven sounds of Nashville. While stylistically different, both forms of music are rooted in community, history, and identity.” He concluded by saying, “Embracing cultural unity through these musical traditions not only highlights our differences but also reinforces our shared human experience.”
To showcase the magic that happens when cultures collaborate, the camp will produce a special remake of the hit single “SWEAT” by The Wooten Brothers, reinterpreted through the rhythmic spirit of Bahamian Junkanoo Music. The track will be arranged and produced under the direction of Christian Justilien and Rhythm N’ Youth, incorporating the talents of both students and seasoned professionals.
“It is indeed a pleasure to take part in bridging the gap through our music and cultural expressions,” says Yonell Justilien. “Any opportunity to share our culture with the youth is always inspiring and lasts a lifetime,” adds Christian.
Over two days, students will have the opportunity to work side-by-side with Grammy Award-winning artists and producers, experience a real studio recording environment, and gain insight into the many paths available in music—from vocals to mixing, arranging, and storytelling, all while discovering how music connects people across cultures and generations.
“It is important to teach a young person to know who he/she is collectively, and also nurture and guide the individual,” three-time Grammy-nominated musician Joseph Wooten notes. “Culture is the foundation of who we are, collectively. All cultures differ, and it’s important to be able to relate to more than our own. Working with kids is important, because it addresses the young individual and helps them to prepare for the future.”
This camp opportunity aligns with a renewed energy around the performing arts in The Bahamas—from the government’s support in restoring The Dundas Centre for the Performing Arts, to the highly anticipated launch of CAPAS, The Bahamas Creative and Performing Arts School. It also echoes the momentum behind projects like “Pat Rahming’s Ghosts of Goombay”, a musical celebrating the history and impact of Bahamian music and identity through narrative and performance. These efforts emphasize that music isn’t just an art—it’s an industry, a language, a livelihood. And while not every student may become a headlining artist, they may well emerge as world-class producers, composers, or cultural storytellers.
The Inspire Music & Arts Academy Foundation will also perform at the Celebrate Nashville event in October 2025, further showcasing the power of cultural collaboration through music.
Research shows that music education supports emotional development, academic performance, and social harmony. It builds confidence, discipline, and empathy—traits essential to both creative work and community life. By opening the studio door to young people from diverse backgrounds, this camp plants a seed: a belief that their voice, their rhythm, and their stories matter. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, these students leave not just with a recording—but with a sense of possibility and responsibility to present their country and the excellence of their musical talents to the world.
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