5 Questions with Basillia Barnaby-Cuff

Content creator, broadcaster, event emcee, author, and founder and director of the Sterling Gospel Music Awards are just some of the hats that Basillia Barnaby-Cuff wears. Barnaby-Cuff, a wife and mother – two roles which she cherishes above all others – oozes with panache, and, in addition to that, she really gets things done.

Her bio states that she is an award-winning media personality with over 17 years of experience across radio, television and digital media. She has built a dynamic career, which also includes news reporting and acting, as she connects with and educates audiences across traditional and digital platforms. Not surprisingly, Barnaby-Cuff’s work has earned her national recognition, including the Prime Minister’s Youth Award for Excellence in Journalism, and being a Governor General ‘I Believe’ Ambassador.

With the 10th anniversary of the Sterling Gospel Music Awards coming up next month, Barnaby-Cuff is as busy as the traditional bee; however, she was gracious enough to find time to answer our 5 Questions With ... this week.

1. What impact has the Sterling Gospel Music Awards had on the gospel community in Jamaica and perhaps even in the Caribbean?

Sterling has given gospel music and the people behind it a platform where their work is seen and celebrated. Over the years, we’ve honoured artistes, musicians, ministries and industry professionals whose contributions might otherwise have gone unrecognised. For me, one of the greatest impacts is seeing people encouraged to keep creating and to believe that gospel music deserves a place on a major stage. As the music travels beyond Jamaica, I hope Sterling also helps more Caribbean gospel talent reach new audiences.

2. What ingredients have helped Sterling move from strength to strength over the years?

Faith, consistency, a committed team and a community that has believed in the vision. Every year has brought its own challenges, but we’ve kept listening, learning and finding ways to raise the standard. The artistes, nominees, sponsors, production team and supporters have all helped build Sterling. Ten years is a milestone we share with every person who has poured something into it.

3. How did you settle on the name Sterling Awards, and what does it mean?

I wanted a name that reflected the standard we hoped to uphold. The dictionary definition of ‘Sterling’ speaks to excellence, quality and lasting value. It captured what I wanted the awards to represent: an honour that people in the gospel community could feel genuinely proud to receive.

4. Why move to a national television broadcast in 2026, and how will the experience change?

For our 10th year, we wanted to bring Sterling to more people than could ever fit inside one venue. A national television broadcast, together with our digital and wider distribution, gives families and gospel music supporters in Jamaica and beyond the chance to experience this milestone.

Creating the show for television also gives us new ways to tell the stories behind the music. Viewers will get a closer look at the performances, the nominees, and the moments that make this community special. For nominees, it means their work can be seen by people far beyond the room on awards night. We’ll still share the première together at our all-white watch party, so there will be that sense of celebration and connection too.

5. What is it like working with your husband, Brian Cuff, on the show?

Brian understands both the vision and the work it takes to bring it to life. I’m the founder and director, and he brings his experience as a producer to the show. We trust each other, we can be honest with each other, and we both care deeply about getting it right.

Of course, producing an awards show can take over the dinner conversation, but sharing the pressure also means sharing those wonderful moments when an idea we’ve worked on for months finally comes together.

BRAWTA:

Why honour veteran broadcasters at the 10th-anniversary launch and what is the next frontier for Sterling in the coming decade?

As someone who has worked in radio, I know the role broadcasters have played in giving gospel music a voice. Long before an artiste could reach an audience with a social media post, radio personalities were introducing songs, interviewing artistes and helping listeners connect with their music. At our 10th-anniversary launch, it felt right to honour some of those pioneers. Sterling’s story is also connected to the people who helped carry gospel music to the public, and I wanted us to acknowledge their contribution while we could thank them in person.

The next decade is about building on what we’ve started: discovering new voices, preserving the legacy of those who paved the way, and creating opportunities for this music... It is our hope to expand the brand into other countries regionally and internationally, while upholding the same standard of excellence that we have maintained over the first 10 years.

yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com