Reality TV dad pushes Caribbean culture, family

Canada's black family reality show, Auntie Jillian, got picked up last August for a second season on Bell Fibe TV1. It features Jamaica-born Warren Danford who, alongside his Trinidadian wife Jillian, and their children Myles and Milan, pulls viewers in each week to experience how the family navigates Canadian culture while nurturing and celebrating their Caribbean roots.A COVID-19 episode was just completed to reflect their lives during the pandemic, themed 'Staying home and being safe'.

"While adhering to the lockdown rules, I was teaching them how to play dominoes, Jamaican style. My hair grew out (and with) no barber, my son and wife are cutting it. It is just a natural thing," said Danford.

The show is a spin-off from a vlog show by Jillian's niece, LaToya Forever Wilson, called Latoya's Life. Danford says it was not hard to pitch the idea of giving viewers more of 'Auntie Jillian'. "After all, we are raising Canadian children while incorporating our culture," he said.

Danford said it is important for blacks to see themselves portrayed in a positive light in a family setting and within a nuclear family dynamic.

IMPRESSIVE FEEDBACK

He said the show is 'relatable' evidenced by the impressive feedback from viewers writing in for advice from the Jillian character who delves into various social issues/topics. Nothing is scripted.

Danford was born in Portland, Jamaica, and is a past student of Titchfield High School in Port Antonio. He came to Canada at age 17, and completed a business management diploma at Centennial College of Applied Arts Science and Technology.

He received his certified financial planning designation in 2003 and has spent the last 30 years in the banking industry. He has worked for the last seven years as an investment adviser at one of the top five financial institutions in Canada.

Danford also owns the FNG Hot Sauce product line.

"Being a Jamaican, I've always been a foodie, so I decided to create my own hot sauce. The FNG Hot Sauce has been around about two years now. It is new. For now, I only use the website for orders, and business is primarily concentrated in North America, though the UK is interested as well," he said.

He said that for now his business is unaffected by the pandemic. Jamaica is not a distant shore to Danford and the 56-year old is still very much interested in his birthplace.

"The family home is still Port Antonio and I try to visit Jamaica at least once per year," he said.