When Peter emailed, I was immediately hooked by the log line: Nigerian Children’s Book Author is becoming the face of a new movement in hip-hop focusing on diversity & education in childhood literature. As a child growing up in Islington, North London with 2 older brothers and 2 younger sisters, somehow we became very influenced by rap music. The energy of hip hop, the clothing, the sound, the imagery of black empowerment and the creativity of artists such as LL Cool J, Nas and 2Pac all signified a new form of poetry that helped us grow and was the sound track to our lives, growing up in the 80’s.
Meet Dr Isikwe, a pharmacist turned story teller. We have much in common! As a scientist and formulator, now embarking on a new carer in film, I can see how transferable the skills set are, but how unlikely this can seem to a layman. Unbeknownst to most, most scientists are artists. And art is a science. It is a selection of carefully constructed components, molecules or rhymes and beats, that come together to create a great lotion, or lyric. A cool serum or symphony. All is one and the same, just called something different. I had the pleasure of catching up with Peter and here’s what he tells PrideNG exclusively about his new book:
CAO: Tell us about the book
My forthcoming book in the Jack’s Awesome Adventure series https://www.jacksawesomeadventure.com/ comes out later this year. Breaking down barriers of misconceptions of people that look like me is a blessing; being the face of a new movement in hip-hop that not only encourages diverse intellectuals but creates avenues of spreading positive message to the youth is what I am most proud of.
CAO: How have you transitioned in your career from scientist to artist, or linguist?
I’m embarking on the one-year anniversary of my children’s book tour and it was a pretty interesting experience. I got a chance to tour across the US, Nigeria and even London. I turned in my mortar & pestle and white coat to pursue my passion for writing children’s book. (For those who do not what a pestle + mortar is, pharmacist use it to make drug products).
My diverse background and cultured upbringing even my love of hip hop gave way to my interesting obsession with literacy and education. The three have been instrumental in my life.
Writing has always been a passion of mine. My fascination with words and how they can tell stories started with listening to music at an early age, more specifically hip-hop music. I can remember listening to my older brother’s It Was Written album by Nas when I was 9 years old. Still one of my top 5 albums of all time by the way. I’ve worked with children for over 10 years and decided to do what I’m passion about everyday.
I wrote the book series during my time I worked with grade school children, which inspired me to actually publish my work. I truly believe reading for our youth is an essential to becoming a successful member in society. I grew up with two immigrant parents who preached education everyday growing up and anything shy of not being a doctor would be deemed a failure. I had different plans.
Leading by example for the culture was paramount for me growing up, so as I continue my journey I plan on doing the same. I tell a lot of the young children I interact with that especially in this era in rap you guy’s Kendrick is what Nas was to me growing up.
One of the few rappers that I heard talk about stuff that I knew involved reading. So reading and education for me, was always seen in high praise. Diversity and culture is what I wanted to introduce to children’s literature. I plan on doing that in my writing, more importantly I plan on giving children a new outlook on reading. I want them to know reading is fun and gives you the skill set to be a force of nature.
I have done book signings, book reading, book fairs, in the US and UK. My whole experience is interesting, because most people where kind of shocked that I’m an author. Funny to say the least.
CAO: Some might ask: why did you feel compelled to tell this story right now?
The book is about me. I lived the first hand experience of publishing a book and going on a book tour internationally. My relevant expertise is I have successfully published a book and my second book in the series is under production.
My story highlights the one year anniversary of me turning in my mortar and pestle to pursue my passion of writing children’s books by going on a book tour in the US and in the UK with in the last year.
CAO: Why does this story matter?
This story matters because not only does it inspire individuals to pursue their passion but I think it indirectly builds confidence in knowing that us as individuals are capable of more than what the eye can see and our diverse backgrounds allow us contribute to society in so many ways for the greater good. The stakes are simple, reading is one of the most important things a child, adult any one for that matter should know. I love to read and for my generation I want to be the face of a new movement that makes reading the coolest thing ever!!!!
To learn more about Dr Peter Isikwe and his books, visit: https://www.jacksawesomeadventure.com/
Look out next week for a competition giveaway for 3 lucky winners to win a SIGNED copy of JACKS AWESOME ADVENTURES!