Meet Basillia Barnaby-Cuff | Content Creator, Broadcaster, Event Emcee, Founder & Director of The Sterling Gospel Music Awards.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Basillia Barnaby-Cuff and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Basillia, what do you attribute your success to?
Factors: Consistency, creativity, persistent excellence & a strong support system.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
For the majority of my 13 year Media Career, I’ve either been a Radio Broadcaster, Event Emcee, or University Lecturer. I did not set out to be a full time content creator. In the height of the pandemic in 2020, after my husband’s persistent encouragement, we started a family YouTube Channel called Stuff from the Cuffs where we are F.I.R.E.- Fun, Inspirational, Real & Educational, exploring all things marriage and family. I was always camera shy, maybe because I was used to being heard & not seen because of my decade long service to the radio field. After a year on YouTube, and gradually getting over being camera shy, I accidentally joined TikTok. I only wanted to go and scroll, as I occasionally would through my husband’s account, but he was not home. After realizing, and not knowing how to delete the account, after a few days I decided to give it a try. In less than a month I had over 10,000 followers, over 1 million views and several viral videos. A literal whirlwind. From then, I saw the potential of the space and worked hard to sharpen my creative skills while entertaining people through my content. Due to consistency and creativity in the social media space, numerous doors have been opened in the Corporate world, as I have secured several brand partnerships for TV commercials, billboard and calendar appearances, as well as curated social media commercials for many brands, opportunities I deem an absolute honour.

Was/Is it easy- No. Finding the balance between content creation and all it entails production wise, while still managing a household, being a wife and mom to two young children, AND managing all my other commitments, has not been an easy road. My husband is VERY supportive and being a TV producer, when I run my ideas by him, he always finds ways to help me to make the idea better. He is the absolute best teammate ever! He really complements me in every area of my life.

What I’m most proud of or excited about- My attention to detail , creativity and consistency with the excellent level of production. I am a natural creative, so I am ALWAYS thinking of ideas to produce. I am proud of my God-given ability to put a unique spin on everyday life happenings, all aimed at keeping my followers entertained.

What are the lessons I’ve learned along the way- I’ve learned to just be ME…the most authentic version of myself at all times. I am not easily distracted nor am I moved by negativity. I’ve learned to embrace constructive criticism and zone out those who mean me no good. In the process, I am just enjoying the journey, which makes all I do, so much more fulfilling.

What do I want the world to know about my brand and story? Basillia is multifaceted and capable of executing with excellence in everything I take on, including being the Founder & Director of Jamaica’s only national Gospel Awards show, the Sterling Gospel Music Awards. It has already seen 5 successful stagings with the 6th slated for October 8, 2022 at The Ambassadors, 63 Hagley Park Road in Kingston. I do all these things while maintaining my commitment to my most important roles- being a wife and mom…roles I’m MOST proud of.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Here’s a list of places I would definitely recommend:

Restaurants-

Charis Cafe- Kings Plaza (Upstairs ) in Kingston

I absolutely love this restaurant for breakfast , lunch or dinner. I love the ambience, the decor, the homely feeling and not to mention the friendly and courteous staff and delicious menu. This would definitely be one of my first stops.

I would also take them to my two favourite go to places for seafood:

Blue Anchor Seafood based in Mandeville – which offers both order and delivery service . They have the BEST seafood boil ever!

And Seafood Wagon Restaurant – 2 Sunnyside Avenue in May Pen, across from Versalles Hotel. They have the BEST escoveitched lobster and fish I’ve ever had. Their beautiful, rustic decor and welcoming ambience paired with excellent customer service, makes going there always a pleasant experience.

Attractions:

YS Falls- St. Elizabeth- I never get tired of visiting this scenic destination with waterfalls cascading into natural swimming pools, amid their mush gardens. I love that there is an option of cold and warm pools. The tractor ride to & from the park’s entrance to the falls, is always a treat.

Puerto Seco Beach- St. Ann- Newly renovated and outfitted for persons to have at hotel-like experience, but for a much more affordable cost. Restaurants, pool, a breathtaking beach, spa and cabanas are just a few of the things that keep me going back.

Jamaica’s famous Dunns River with the amazing addition of a mini-waterpark makes gong with children who cannot climb the falls, a much more enjoyable experience.

Mystic Mountains- for the adventurous at heart. From the 20-minute sky explorer chair lift to the mountain top, to the bobsled, zip line, ropes course, Raggamuffin roller coaster, ATV tour among other things. You won’t be disappointed.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My amazing husband Brian, my daughters Bree’Ah-Marie & Bella-Renee, my parents- Winsome & Basil , my brothers- Basil Jnr, & Brenton, my niece- Payton, my sisters in law- Jheanell & Rochelle.

My AMAZING core support system.

My friends who have become family (too many to name) and my amazing supporters.

I love you all!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/basilliabcuff/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/basillia-barnaby-cuff-9a220772/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/basilliabarnabycuff/

Youtube: www.youtube.com/stufffromthecuffs

Other: TikTok- https://www.tiktok.com/@basilliabcuff

Image Credits
BMC Photography Cyanopy Media Contrax Creative Studios Aks Photography