CARIFESTA XV Youth Village: Content Creation Workshop with Akhnaten Burrowes

Akhnaten Burrowes - Social Media Influencer / Content Creator

The CARIFESTA XV Youth Village, stationed at The Barbados Community College (BCC) over the past three days, has come to an end. However, the close of the event did not dampen the lively and educational atmosphere, as a range of engaging activities continued to unfold—including a standout content creation workshop.

Held on August 27, the workshop was facilitated by Barbadian social media influencer and digital artist Akhnaten Burrowes, best known for his comedic persona, ‘Bev’. Burrowes led an intriguing, interactive, and insightful session with participants spanning a wide range of ages.

The workshop opened with an icebreaker that invited participants to introduce themselves using memes that best represented them. Once the energy in the room warmed up, Burrowes began sharing the story of how his character ‘Bev’ became a gateway into the world of content creation and digital influence. ‘Bev’, a relatable comedic figure representing the archetypal auntie or elder, resonated with audiences and helped pave the way for his creative success.

Burrowes went on to outline the key pillars of content creation: confidence, authenticity, and consistency. He encouraged aspiring creators to believe in themselves and their brands. Authenticity and integrity, he stressed, are crucial—particularly in the early stages of brand-building. Sponsors and businesses, he noted, are drawn to creators who are not only inventive but honest and original. He also cautioned that creators should choose opportunities that align with their personal brand, as not every cheque is worth compromising one’s image.

The session remained highly interactive, with participants actively asking and answering questions about brand development and niche discovery. Burrowes offered practical advice on how to shape a personal identity by focusing on passions, investing time in learning, and using one’s creativity and uniqueness to bring a brand to life. If a particular path no longer brings fulfillment or has plateaued, he encouraged participants to pivot and explore new directions.

He reminded the group that content creation doesn’t require elaborate equipment—tripods or professional cameras are not prerequisites. “Anything can be content,” he said, urging creators to make use of what’s around them: phones, friends, family, and the everyday environment. The atmosphere was supportive and reassuring, with Burrowes emphasizing the importance of perseverance. Even when creators feel like giving up, he advised them to stay consistent, work hard, maintain a positive attitude, and never allow anyone to break their spirit.

The session wrapped up on a high note with a series of group skits aligned with the theme of CARIFESTA XV. The workshop was amusing, interactive, inspiring, and enlightening leaving participants energised and confident to venture into the digital world.

Written by:

Sarah Arielle Gooding-Edghill

Youth Correspondent - CARIFESTA XV