It is so important in life to have role models and to be inspired by individuals who are each following their paths while spreading positive vibes everywhere they go. Through Unpopular Culture, Guvna B is doing just this. He is a young, talented man who is leading by example.
Oliver Proudlock, reality TV star and founder of Serge DeNimes
I love this book. I love it because the writing carries weight from Isaacs real-life experiences. He could be performing to ten thousand in an arena or a hundred in a youth-club basement, yet he will still plaster it all over social media and give everything he has got because he cares about the next generation. He does what he does for the broken teenager rather than the fame, popularity or credit. You will enjoy this book; its raw, real and relevant to todays culture.
Dan Blythe, Youth and Young Adults Pastor, Hillsong London
Guvna B is a creative, credible and courageous voice to Millennials. Ive seen him speak to huge crowds on stage through his music, and Ive seen him speak off the stage, just as powerfully, into the lives of young people. Through the pages of this brilliant new book, hell speak directly to you telling you his story and encouraging you in yours. Unpopular Culture will help to refresh your world view, renew your mind and cheer you on as you live with purpose and passion for Christ.
Matt Redman, Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter
Ive known Guvna B for a while now and he is a very positive person. Im confident that if you read his book, it will inspire you and many other people too.
Dion Dublin, former England footballer
Guvna B is a great example for the youth and a very knowledgeable guy. Youll love Unpopular Culture.
Posty, GRM Daily
Guvna B genuinely cares about making an impact on young people. His passion, drive and dedication are an inspiration. With Unpopular Culture, he has some good stuff to say, trust me.
Naomi Scott, actress and singer
This book will totally take you into the depths of who Guvna B is. He is so honest on his journey. While reading this book, I found so many similarities. This book will inspire you and bring clarity about what your purpose is. No matter which path you choose, Guvna B encourages you to be a light and shine wherever you go.
Michelle Williams, Destinys Child
Guvna B has always stood out for me as being not only the kind of artist your parents would want you to listen to but also an artist most MCs would be scared to go toe to toe with. His music is a perfect balance of vibe, skill and deep messages, and a reflection of this book, so youll definitely enjoy it.
DJ Ace, BBC Radio 1Xtra
Guvna B has an amazing way with words and always has done as an artist, so to have his brilliant, wise words in print is a must-have for anyone who needs positivity in their life.
Alec Boateng, Head of A&R (Artists and Repertoire), Atlantic Records
Ive known Guvna B for a few years now but knew of his work before that. He is a man of the Church, yet reaches non-churchgoers because of his honest lyrics. Thats not an easy challenge but Guvna does it effortlessly. Unpopular Culture showcases moral character, decency and humility. Youll love it!
Richard Blackwood, actor and comedian
First published in Great Britain in 2017
Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge
36 Causton Street
London SW1P 4ST
www.spck.org.uk
Copyright Isaac Borquaye 2017
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
SPCK does not necessarily endorse the individual views contained in its publications.
The author and publisher have made every effort to ensure that the external website and email addresses included in this book are correct and up to date at the time of going to press. The author and publisher are not responsible for the content, quality or continuing accessibility of the sites.
Extracts marked av are from the Authorized Version of the Bible (The King James Bible), the rights in which are vested in the Crown, and are reproduced by permission of the Crowns Patentee, Cambridge University Press.
Scripture quotations marked esv are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked niv are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version (Anglicized edition). Copyright 1979, 1984, 2011 by Biblica (formerly International Bible Society). Used by permission of Hodder & Stoughton Publishers, an Hachette UK company. All rights reserved. niv is a registered trademark of Biblica (formerly International Bible Society). UK trademark number 1448790.
Scripture quotations marked nkjv are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked nlt are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188, USA. All rights reserved.
All other Scripture quotations are adapted by the author.
The excerpt on p. 38 is from Hosanna, words and music by Brooke Ligertwood. Copyright 2006 Hillsong Music Publishing.
British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
ISBN 9780281076314
eBook ISBN 9780281076321
Typeset by Manila Typesetting Company
First printed in Great Britain by Jellyfish Solutions
Subsequently digitally printed in Great Britain
eBook by Manila Typesetting Company
Produced on paper from sustainable forests
Mum and Dad.
Thanks for the love and the sacrifices.
I am who I am because of how you raised me.
Thank you .
CONTENTS
Every single person on this planet is completely unique. From our hair colour to our different interests, the way we move our feet to the way we structure our sentences, were all entirely different. Im reminded of this daily from my upbringing in London, one of the most diverse places in the world, bringing together a multitude of different cultures, races and ethnicities in one city. However, despite being fully aware of my individuality, I still struggle with the desire to fit in. This shaped me when I was growing up, and even now I find myself trying to conform, and I know Im not alone.
We live in a culture where its becoming more and more common and even encouraged to put pressure on our friends, make people feel insecure, gossip, bully, and abuse drugs, alcohol and sex. If youre not buying into this way of life, you can become unpopular, and being unpopular often leaves us feeling cut off from society.
When I look at the city in which I live, its culture and way of life dont fill me with much confidence either. I continually hear of stabbings and shootings, and suicide and self-harm are increasingly prevalent. I see girls being disrespected by guys, and the majority of people appear to be focused on money and material possessions. Countless TV channels are filled with reality shows that encourage self-loathing: we watch others alter their physical appearance in search of the perfect body, as we question our own.
Why is it popular to do these things, behave in these ways or hold these views? Could it be that were all buying into the same story and the same way of doing things, just because we dont know any different? Have we just followed what weve picked up from life experiences and the examples of people around us?
Next page