In this episode, Nicky and Pippa are joined by multi-award winning rap artist and author Isaac Borquaye – more widely known as Guvna B to discuss the power of words, what the younger generation really wants & the best response to issues of inequality.
For today’s conversation, Nicky and Pippa sit down with multi-award winning rap artist and author Isaac Borquaye – more widely known as Guvna B.
The interview begins with Isaac sharing about how growing up on a council estate in East London shaped his life. Though the community was tight-knit and embracing, Isaac describes how easy it would have been for him to have ended up in a life of crime and violence. “It was guns or Jesus,” said Issac. But due to the influence of his family, friends and an encouraging primary school teacher, Isaac instead chose to live what he calls “a more positive life.” Nicky and Pippa highlight with gratitude the primary school teacher who saw more than a playground-rap-battler in Isaac, but the positive and creative influence he is today.
The conversation pivots to the topic of the next generation – how to connect with young people, and what they really long for. All of Isaac’s responses to Nicky and Pippa’s questions about youth resound with one key theme – authenticity. “Young people are getting so good at sniffing out when something isn’t authentic” said Isaac. The three of them discuss how the “put together” expert at the front is no more, and how a young person is just looking for someone who is willing to humbly journey alongside them.
The interview closes with the three of them confronting the sad reality of inequality inside and outside of the church. Isaac truthfully recounts his experience with unequal treatment, while still maintaining a loving and hopeful disposition. He asks people not to externalize issues of inequality, but to give space for healthy introspection; to honestly evaluate, with the help of the Spirit, how one might be contributing to the problem and how one can be a part of a fresh wave of healing. Isaac makes a specific call for the Church to be a leader in this – he says “Imagine if the world reflected what the church is leading in and not the other way around.”
Throughout each portion of the conversation – whether talking about how to influence the next generation, issues of inequality or the music industry – Isaac exudes a refreshing message of hope for the future. We hope you experience that sense of hope as you listen to Nicky and Pippa’s conversation with Isaac Borquaye.
Show Notes
Through the Eyes of a Lion by Levi Lusko
Biography
Isaac Borquaye (Guvna B) is an author and multi award-winning, record-breaking urban rap artist from London. He has carved out a unique place for himself in the music world, and his other artistic endeavours draw on his personal experiences of life in London, bringing together themes of faith, masculinity and identity.
Since winning his first MOBO Music Award at just 20 years old, Guvna’s journey has been one of breathless success and cutting-edge creativity. In a world often plagued by negativity, Guvna B hopes that he can be a beacon of light. His work is intended to demonstrate the strength and inspiration faith can bring.
He lives in London with his wife and son.
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