Sol Guy

Bio

Sol Guy is no stranger to the urban music scene; as a manager, producer, consultant, and director of an independent music label, he has worked with notable artists such as Lauryn Hill, P Diddy, India Arie,, The Roots, Outkast, Dead Prez, B.I.G. and The Wu-Tang Clan.

After visiting Sierra Leone in 2001 with Warchild Canada and witnessing firsthand the tragedy of war, Guy saw the potential for artists to raise awareness on global social issues. Thus began his mission to bridge the gap between social activism and entertainment.
 
Currently, Guy’s mission is to use music, film, television and hip hop culture as a vehicle for change, promoting empowerment for youth around the world. The 4REAL television series, which debuted in 2008, is yet another example of Guy’s passion for connecting youth from across the globe. 4REAL takes celebrity guests on international adventures to connect with young people who, under extreme circumstances, are affecting REAL change. The show inspires audiences to see their own potential and ability to create positive change in their own communities.

Interview

What music are you listening to/art are you checking out these  days?

Music - New K'NAAN album, coming out this summer, anything by MIA, Red1, The New Royales, MV Bill.  Honestly, just good music!   Any good  film, anything that is based in truthful expression and has HEART in it!

Why should people, especially youth, vote?

Voting is a privilege, we live in a country that allows us the opportunity to engage in the political process.  It is important that we honour this process.  At the same time, we need to get informed and understand this process, what our rights are, how it all works and what we can do if we have issues that we want tabled.  The youth voice is the voice of change, we are going to inherit this planet whether we like it or not, and our ideas are the ones that will push things forward. 

Historically, change has always been sparked by young people who demand change.  In a democratic structure, harnessing our vote and connecting to the political process is a huge first step to owning who we are and creating the space for creative artistic ideas to tangibly effect change.  You live in a land that allows you the freedom of choice - do not take that for granted. People have died and  continue to die for something that seems so simple.  Honour the process and your privilege.

For you, is there a connection between art and democracy? What is it?

Art is a freedom of expression, free of oppression.  Without true democracy, art could be censored - if art is censored then the heartbeat of the community is stifled.   Democracy has its highs and lows as does economics and global politics.  However the most impactful way to influence people and express truth is within the arts.  So, in a way, art is democracy; you can not separate the two.  Democracy similar to art has many faces and unlimited spaces to engage - take it away and you have lost your voice. 

Why do you care about community when it is so easy not to?

It is harder to NOT care about community than it is to care about community. We ARE the community so to separate yourself is to begin to lose touch and not know yourself.  To know yourself is to love yourself.  Without self love you can't love anything else.  If you are passionate and care about the planet then you have to find a way to connect to your community.  Change is not an abstract thought or a foreign idea - it is a real tangible thing that starts within and spreads outwardly.  The first place to effect change is within your own community, to understand the issues and the beauty.  To celebrate the success and create dialogue around issues.

What do you look for in a politician? What do you expect from your MP?

A value system that is community-based, someone who understands our  community and can be a voice within the political structure while always keeping the community in mind.  I expect clear communication and to be a voice for the people he or she represents.  The most important thing for an MP is to be in touch with youth, cause youth have the fresh ideas that can invigorate and change the existing structure.