Meet Shamar Binns

We were lucky to catch up with Shamar Binns recently and have shared our conversation below.

Shamar, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

The only way I can truly keep creativity alive within me is by exploring a variety of art forms. I’m not just a filmmaker—I’m a rapper, a TikToker, a writer. I believe that you don’t have to limit yourself to one medium, because relying on a single format can eventually feel restrictive. By learning from different types of art, you can bring fresh perspectives and unique elements into your primary work. Studying music, for example, has taught me so much about evoking emotions, which I now weave into my films to make them resonate more deeply.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

As a filmmaker, my mission is to craft impactful narratives that explore complex, often overlooked experiences within POC communities. My recent film, My Shining Gem, addresses suicide and anxiety in relationships between couples of color, aiming to spark meaningful discussions about mental health in our communities. This purpose also inspired me to create Vibez Central Media—a brand dedicated to amplifying diverse stories and elevating filmmaking across borders, especially in places like Jamaica, where my family’s roots are.

In music, I perform as S.M.B Vibez, blending old-school and modern hip-hop styles to highlight themes of life, romance, and emotional battles. My debut project, inspired by the My Shining Gem soundtrack, was a collaboration with a group of talented artists who brought the film’s emotion to life through music—a project I’m incredibly proud of. My next project, Emotional Warfare, will be a personal reflection on past relationships and my journey toward faith in God.

On TikTok, I connect with a different audience as VibezGX, where I’m known for my anime skits and reactions, bringing humor and insight to each video. Through these various forms, I channel my creativity to explore new ways of storytelling and connect with audiences on multiple levels.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities and skills stand out as being truly impactful in my journey. First, my years of study in film—starting from high school and continuing through college, where I earned my BFA—have been foundational. This formal training helped me build a solid understanding of filmmaking techniques, storytelling, and the history of film, all of which still shape my work today.

Second, building connections across various art forms is essential. Meeting people from different creative fields not only expands your perspective but also opens doors to collaborative opportunities. Networking isn’t just about “who you know,” but about learning from others and blending those insights into your own work.

Lastly, staying true to yourself is vital. Remember why you started, and don’t get caught up in pursuing fame or validation. Do the work for the love of the art, and let that passion drive you. For anyone early in their journey, I’d say invest in learning your craft, actively seek connections in the arts, and always stay grounded in your purpose. These elements will give you both resilience and authenticity in your creative path.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The greatest impact my parents have had on my work and on me is their unwavering belief in me. Art is often seen as a risky career, full of ups and downs, but they’ve supported my passion every step of the way, even helping me move to California to pursue my dreams. On days when I feel like giving up, they remind me of the purpose behind my journey and encourage me to stay true to my vision. Their support is incredibly powerful and fuels me to keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shamar_vibez/profilecard/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
• Other: IMDb – https://m.imdb.com/name/nm15301407/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_0_nm_8_in_0_q_shamar%2520b&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZsS_sFW47XsBeazdQKwyUZncdb2bhBLyEXmHA7KwTHnDp8nt-jSL58HBM_aem_aMMjgDBsqwngxlOBnzrRvwMusic – https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/smbvibez/my-shining-gem-music-inspired-by-original-short-film?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabv2b3xxQ2-AcqZHZ7F8cv7NX0yHyYPpLmKwkVdfeGKTWDeEjVHDvyYVqY_aem_II97mby3lMiXyLID44fBDw

  Vimeo – https://vimeo.com/user227813985

Image Credits

My shining gem poster – Destiny Hall Harper