FOUNDER and director of the Sterling Gospel Music Awards Basillia Barnaby-Cuff said when she hosted the very first awards in 2017 her vision was to honour excellence within the local gospel music space. Now with plans for the 10th staging of the event in October, Barnaby-Cuff said those objectives have been realised.

“The initial objective was simple: Create a dedicated platform that recognised and celebrated excellence within Jamaica’s gospel music industry. We felt that the tremendous work being done by gospel artistes and other industry professionals deserved greater recognition. Sterling was therefore created to honour those contributions while also helping to elevate the standard, visibility, and appreciation of Jamaican gospel music,” Barnaby-Cuff told the Jamaica Observer.

“Absolutely, those objectives have been met. We have seen Sterling grow exponentially over the years, and we’ve been able to recognise a wide cross section of people who have contributed to the industry. At the same time, we don’t believe the mission is complete. Reaching 10 years is really another beginning for us. There is still much room for Jamaican gospel music and its creatives to gain greater regional and international exposure, and Sterling wants to play a significant role in making that happen,” she said.

The very first staging of the Sterling Gospel Music Awards was held at Heritage Mall in Mandeville, Manchester.

Olivia “Babsy” Grange, minister of culture, gender, enterainment and sport, shares lens time with Basillia Barnaby-Cuff, founder of the Sterling Gospel Music Awards, at the 2023 staging of the awards at Swallowfield Chapel in Kingston. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

“It was a much smaller staging compared to what Sterling has become today, but that event laid the foundation for everything we have accomplished over the past decade,” Barnaby-Cuff recalled.

“There have been so many memorable moments, but I would say the greatest high point has been watching Sterling grow from a vision into a respected platform for Jamaica’s gospel music industry. Over the years we’ve been able to recognise not only established names but emerging artistes, musicians, producers, media personalities, and other industry players who contribute to gospel music. Reaching our 10th staging is itself a major high point. To have sustained the brand for a decade and now position Sterling for an even wider audience through national television is something we’re extremely proud of.”

As indicated, and in a move to highlight the event’s evolution and growth, this year’s staging will be a televised event.

“The Sterling Gospel Music Awards 10th Anniversary Television Broadcast Special will air on Sunday, October 18 during the heroes’ holiday weekend. This year, instead of our traditional physical awards staging, Sterling 10 is being presented as a national television broadcast allowing us to reach audiences across Jamaica and, through digital and other platforms, viewers regionally and internationally. We will also host an exclusive All-White Watch Party, bringing together nominees, sponsors, performers, media, and specially invited guests to experience the premiere together,” Barnaby-Cuff disclosed.

“Year 10 is going to be very special,” she said. “Our theme is centred on ‘Sterling 10… Going Back To Where It All Began’, so while we celebrate where we are today, we will also be taking audiences on a journey through Sterling’s history. You can expect great performances, special presentations, memorable moments from the past decade and, of course, the recognition of some of the outstanding contributors to Jamaican gospel music. But, most importantly, this staging represents the beginning of a new chapter for Sterling as we take the experience to a significantly wider audience.”

Twenty categories will be presented this year, covering various areas of gospel music and the wider industry.

“This year we have introduced a new People’s Choice – Digital Impact Award. This award recognises outstanding social media personalities or pages that have made a significant impact through engaging, inspiring and influential content. We’ve always tried to ensure that Sterling recognises the people both in front of and behind the scenes, and this year we are continuing that approach,” Barnaby-Cuff shared.

Sponsors and organisers gather for a photo op shortly after last year’s launch of the Sterling Gospel Music Awards. From left: Jason Sawyers, managing director, SORA Media; Katrina Grant, Credit Unions of Jamaica; Andrei Roper, KFC; Basillia Barnaby-Cuff, founder-organiser, Sterling Gospel Music Awards; Brian Cuff, producer; Ingrid Banton, The Best Dressed Chicken; Demron Anderson, UNEQUE Production Entertainment Studios; Gerald Gordon, managing director, Gerald A Gordon Productions; and Wendell Lawrence, managing director, SpurrOpen.

The qualifying period for the submission of songs, music videos, and albums for consideration in the 2026 staging of the Sterling Gospel Music Awards was January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025.

“Eligible music and projects must have been released within that calendar year to be considered for the relevant categories,” said Barnaby-Cuff, while pointing to the long-term vision for the awards.

“Our long-term vision is to continue establishing Sterling as one of the Caribbean’s premier gospel music awards brands, with a strong international presence. We want Sterling to become a platform that not only gives awards but actively contributes to the growth and visibility of Caribbean gospel music, creating opportunities for our artistes, connecting them with wider audiences, and helping the world discover the incredible gospel talent coming out of Jamaica and the region. The first 10 years were about building the foundation. The next chapter is about expansion, greater visibility, and taking Sterling beyond Jamaica’s borders. Ultimately, we want the Sterling Gospel Music Awards to become a brand that Jamaica and the wider Caribbean can proudly call their own on the international gospel music stage,” she shared.

The nominees in this year’s event will be revealed at a media launch later this week.