By Cecelia Campbell-Livingston
In the world of Jamaican entertainment, Basillia Barnaby-Cuff is a name synonymous with resilience and determination.
As the driving force behind the Sterling Gospel Music Awards (SGMA), the media personality is no stranger to navigating hurdles. She did so during the COVID-19 pandemic that caused the event to transition to virtual stagings in 2020 and 2021.
With SGMA now approaching its seventh year, Basillia candidly acknowledges that life is replete with hurdles. However, what sets SGMA apart is the team’s unwavering ability to overcome obstacles and adapt to change. Reflecting on their journey, she shared, “Our problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to change and handle challenges have really been defining moments for us at Sterling. I do think, though, that we have probably passed the worst in terms of the initial teething pains. We continue to grow, learn, and produce excellence in all we do.”
Celebrating Gospel Excellence:
The Sterling Gospel Music Awards, launched in 2017, stand as a unique and singular event in Jamaica. Its mission is to shine a spotlight on the remarkable creativity, talent, and invaluable contributions of individuals in the burgeoning gospel industry in Jamaica.
As they gear up for year seven, set to unfold on Saturday, October 7 at the Swallowfield Chapel Building #9 in Kingston, Basillia and her husband Brian, who co-host the event, reflect on the long and challenging journey they’ve undertaken. However, it’s not without its rewarding moments.
One standout memory is the 2020 staging of the Awards when they had to pivot from a physical event to a virtual one due to COVID-19. The event’s success, with over 1.2 million people tuning in on TV and radio, left an indelible mark on their journey. Basillia recalls, “Our ability back then to rework a physical staging into a virtual one…was truly a remarkable moment for us.”
Balancing Act
Balancing a dynamic career as a social media influencer, household responsibilities with two children, managing a business, and creating engaging social media content might seem like an insurmountable task to many. However, for Basillia, it’s all about prioritising tasks and mastering time management. Her management team at E.F.F.I.T. Influencer Marketing Agency ensures her bookings are in order, allowing her to focus on various aspects of her life.
With the countdown to the Sterling Gospel Music Awards 2023 in full swing, Basillia assures patrons of another night of excellence in the Jamaican gospel music industry. The People’s Choice Awards will feature popular categories like Caribbean Artiste of the Year, International Artiste of the Year, Most-Rated Radio Programme of the Year, Gospel DJ of the Year, and Gospel Personality of the Year.
For those eager to attend the event, tickets can be obtained at Charis Cafe, located upstairs in Kings Plaza, Half Way Tree, or online at spurropen.com/sterling7.
* Adults: $3000 (Presold) or $3800 at the gate
* Children: $1500 (at the gate or online)
* Lap infants 2 and under: Free
