An international gospel recording artist and Sicklerville resident recently made news in the gospel music industry with a win at the Prayze Factor Awards in Atlanta.
Singer Trina Sharifa Cuff was named the Best Rhythm and Praise Solo Act, an award that reflects what has been described as a unique sound and her years of musical growth. Reflecting on her roots, Cuff shared how her upbringing – and her time at Edgewood High School – laid the foundation for a career that began long before she stood on a stage at the awards.
“Growing up in Sicklerville exposed me to various types of music,” the 55-year-old recalled. “I was a rapper. I sang with Kristina Pruitt (a Philadelphia singer and pianist) in Edgewood’s school band, and I was also part of a local gospel choir.
“I had no idea at the time that these early experiences would later shape my path as a contemporary gospel singer.”
Cuff’s formative years not only nurtured her love for music, but also forged lasting connections, including her collaboration with Pruitt.
“Working professionally with Kristina on a track decades later and receiving a streaming award together is something I couldn’t have imagined back then,” she said.
Cuff acknowledged that the Prayze Factor Awards were a defining moment in a career.
“It feels wonderful winning this award because, unlike a streaming award, people vote for you,” she explained. “It’s like all your hard work is being valued and acknowledged on another level.”
The Prayze Factor Awards draw talent from all over the world, and for Cuff – who has spent years singing in Europe, especially in London churches – it was an opportunity to share the stage with international artists.
“I was so excited to see people not only from the whole country but from Europe, Africa, and South America as well,” she recalled. “The standout moment for me was when they called my name. Even though many people from the tri-state area voted for me, I wasn’t expecting to win.”
Cuff’s latest album, “Listening,” has garnered praise for its message and lyrics.
“The album was created to inspire myself and others to set aside distractions and listen to God and our gut feelings,” she pointed out. “I believe we often deviate from that small voice that could save us from unnecessary pain.”
Cuff’s sound – a mix of jazz and traditional gospel – falls into the contemporary category of Praise, defined as worship music and songs.
“I sing everything from gospel jazz to R&B and traditional gospel,” she noted, “but my heart is in contemporary worship songs.”
Like many artists, Cuff faced her share of challenges on her path to success, including not conforming to what others wanted her to be,.
“It wasn’t always easy adjusting to different cultures while traveling abroad either,” she admitted, “but I learned that people have different ways of doing things and seeing the world.”
Cuff’s advice to aspiring gospel artists is simple “Cultivate your sound and work on what will make you stand out from the rest.”
Though her career has taken her to stages around the world, Cuff stays grounded by being connected to her local roots.
“Meeting up with old friends from Edgewood and Sicklerville keeps me balanced,” she said with a laugh.“And thinking about having a hoagie when I get home helps, too … I think that connection to home keeps me centered, no matter where my career takes me.”
Cuff said her future includes more public performances and continued growth.
“What’s next is touring and more concerts,” she revealed. “I’m excited to share my music with even more people and continue growing as an artist.”
