Guvna B | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Birth name | Isaac Charles Bortey Borquaye [1] |
Also known as | Guvna B |
Born | Custom House, Newham, England | 13 June 1989
Genres | |
Occupation(s) | Rapper, author, broadcaster |
Years active | 2007–present |
Website | www |
Isaac Charles Bortey Borquaye (born 13 June 1989), better known as Guvna B, is a rapper, author, and broadcaster from Custom House, London. He has released 10 albums, written 2 books, produced segments for the BBC, and served as a football pundit for Sky Sports News' Good Morning Transfers. He has also made appearances on television and in schools to discuss topics that affect young people from underprivileged communities.
Guvna B was born in London, England in June 1989, to Ghanaian parents from Accra. [2] Speaking on his upbringing, he has said: "My upbringing helped me find my faith. The negative things I saw in my society inspired me to do better and inspire people to be the best they can be instead of becoming stereotypical products of a negative environment". [3] He later graduated from University of Hertfordshire studying business and journalism. [4]
He has released ten albums and is the recipient of two MOBO Awards for Best Gospel Act, [5] three Urban Music Awards for Best Gospel Act or Artist, and a Gospel Music Award for Best Gospel Artist. He was the first rapper to top the Official Christian and Gospel Charts for his 2013 album Odd1Out. [6] His story was shared with many when he was featured in the 22 March 2013 issue of the music industry magazine Music Week in a feature covering the gospel music industry in the UK. [7] He has worked with Wretch 32, Samm Henshaw, Matt Redman, Michelle Williams and Andy Mineo.[ citation needed ]
In January 2013, Guvna B launched his own urban clothing brand, Allo Mate. [8]
Unpopular Culture was published in 2017 by the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, [9] and Unspoken: Toxic Masculinity and How I Faced the Man Within the Man was published by Harper Inspire, an imprint of HarperCollins, in 2021 after his father's death from cancer. [10]
He has presented documentaries on both radio and TV including BBC World Service's Gospel Meets Hip-Hop, [11] and BBC Radio 2's Keeping the Peace. [12] He has appeared as a pundit on Sky Sports News' Good Morning Transfers, and as a guest on The Zoe Ball Breakfast show on BBC Radio 2. [13]
Guvna B lives in Greenwich, London with his wife and their son. [14] He is a fan of West Ham United F.C. [15] His cousin is the actress and screenwriter Michaela Coel. [16]
Year | Category | Award | Result | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|
2009 | Gospel Music Awards | Best Gospel Artist 2009 | Won | [19] |
2009 | Urban Music Awards | Best Gospel Act 2009 | Won | [20] [21] |
2010 | MOBO Awards | Best Gospel Act 2010 | Won | [22] |
2012 | RARE Rising Stars | UK's Top 10 Black Students 2012 | Won | [23] |
2013 | Urban Music Awards | Best Gospel Artist 2013 | Won | [24] |
2013 | MOBO Awards | Best Gospel Artist 2013 | Nominated | [25] |
2013 | Ghana UK-Based Achievement Awards | Music Artist of the Year 2013 | Nominated | [26] |
2016 | MOBO Awards | Best Gospel Artist 2016 | Won | [27] |
2020 | MOBO Awards | Best Gospel Artist 2020 | Nominated | [28] |
2020 | Urban Music Awards | Best Gospel Act 2020 | Won | [29] |
2021 | MOBO Awards | Best Gospel Act 2021 | Won | [30] |
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