Three-time MOBO winner, UK number one artist and Herts alumnus Guvna B awarded honorary doctorate

With three MOBO Awards, 10 albums and a UK number one record to his name, former Herts student Guvna B returned to the University of Hertfordshire this week to receive an honorary Doctor of Business.

During their graduation ceremony at St Alban’s Cathedral yesterday (Tuesday, 15 September), the University honoured Isaac Borquaye, known professionally as Guvna B, in recognition of an extraordinary career that has seen him become one of Britain's most successful independent artists while using his platform to champion young people, challenge stereotypes and drive positive social change.

The East London-born rapper, broadcaster and bestselling author has spent more than 15 years building a career that spans music, publishing, broadcasting and charitable work. Without the backing of a major record label, he has released 10 albums, topped the Official UK Hip Hop and R&B Albums Chart, won three MOBO Awards and established himself as one of the country's most distinctive cultural voices.

His success began while he was a student at the University of Hertfordshire.

While studying for a degree in Business and Management Studies, Isaac was recording music from a makeshift studio in his student accommodation, performing at campus events and laying the foundations for the independent music business that would later propel him to national success.

What followed was a career that has reached millions through music, books, documentaries, podcasts and public speaking, while consistently focusing on issues including youth violence, grief, mental health, faith and social mobility.

Growing up on a council estate in Custom House, East London, Isaac began making music at the age of 15. Inspired by his Christian faith and determined to offer an alternative to the violence and stereotypes he saw affecting young people around him, he set out to create music rooted in hope, authenticity and social purpose.

At just 19, he released his debut album, The Narrow Road. Within two years, he had won his first MOBO Award for Best Gospel Act, all while studying at the University of Hertfordshire.

Initially enrolled on a computer science course, Isaac later switched to Business and Management Studies, a move that helped equip him with the skills to build and sustain an independent music career. While at Herts, he recorded his second album, Scrapbook, from his student accommodation and performed at events organised by the Students' Union's Afro-Caribbean Society.

After graduating in 2012, Isaac took a sales job but soon realised he was earning almost as much from music as he was from his salary. Giving himself six months to make a success of it full-time, he committed to his creative ambitions and never looked back.

Today, Guvna B is recognised not only for his music but also for his work as an author, broadcaster and campaigner.

His 2021 memoir, Unspoken, written after the death of his father, became an Amazon bestseller and sparked wider conversations about masculinity, grief and mental health. He later added children's author to his achievements with Where Grandad Lives, expanding a body of work that spans music, memoir and storytelling.

He has appeared on BBC Songs of Praise, contributed to documentaries including Gospel Meets Hip-Hop, hosted the popular CBeebies podcast Parenting Download and presented for West Ham United. Through his broadcasting work, he has explored topics including faith, fatherhood, grief and identity.

Away from the spotlight, Isaac has devoted significant time to supporting young people and charitable causes. He is Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees at Youth Music, the UK's leading young people's music charity, and joined the West Ham United Foundation as a trustee in 2025. He is also an ambassador for Power The Fight, which works to prevent youth violence, and The Forward Trust, which supports people recovering from addiction.

Over the course of his career, he has delivered workshops in more than 500 schools and prisons across the UK, using music and his own experiences to inspire conversations around creativity, aspiration, identity and opportunity.

He has also used his commercial success to support charitable causes. His viral West Ham anthem Massive reached number one, with all proceeds donated to a children's cancer charity.

Isaac said it was “a huge honour” to now be awarded a doctorate from the University of Hertfordshire.

“I have so many memories of my time at Herts,” he said. “It was where I was studying, making music in my room, performing at student events and figuring out what I wanted my future to look like.

“I could never have imagined that years later I'd be recognised in this way.

“Hopefully my story shows that there isn't always one obvious path to success. You can create something of your own, take risks, stay true to your values and use what you've achieved to make a positive difference for other people."

Professor Anthony Woodman, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hertfordshire, said:

“The Guvna B story is remarkable, and what makes it especially meaningful for us is that part of that journey began here at Herts.

"Isaac arrived as a student with talent, ambition and a vision. Since then, he has built an extraordinary career as an award-winning artist, bestselling author, broadcaster and entrepreneur, while remaining committed to using his success to support others.

"Whether through his music, writing, broadcasting or work with young people, Isaac has consistently used his platform to challenge stereotypes, inspire ambition and drive positive change. His influence extends far beyond the worlds of music and entertainment.

"This honorary doctorate recognises not only his outstanding professional achievements, but also his commitment to making a meaningful difference to communities and lives across the UK. He embodies the values we champion at Herts: creativity, enterprise, determination and the belief that success should be used as a force for good.

"We are incredibly proud to welcome Isaac back to Herts and celebrate a graduate whose impact continues to inspire others to dream bigger, think differently and fulfil their potential."

Find out more about studying Business at the University of Hertfordshire.

Pictured left to right: University of Hertfordshire Pro-Chancellor and Chair David Sproul; Isaac Borquaye (‘Guvna B’) and Dean of the Hertfordshire Business School Professor Damian Ward.