Nigerian-born rapper, Boma Beddie-Memberr, also known as Shona, is fusing scripture with rhythm. She’s a drummer as well, and might be Gospel Rap’s best-kept secret. She’s taking on a creative approach to songwriting; it feels like a sermon on a beat. She is reimagining Christian music and unafraid to blend scripture with Hip-Hop. Shona’s “Psalm 23” brings a new sound into the mix, delivering scripture with melody, conviction, and rhythmic pulse. The intro section is a subtle yet profound conversation. It feels like a proverb, painting a picture of having a choice but choosing to follow God; speaking truth that moves you beyond dance to reflection.

The moment her first bar drops, “I boast  in The Lord, Shepherd of my soul, smooth sailing, anchor of my soul, reckless love,” it’s clear this is more than just another faith-inspired track.  Shona digs into rhythm and cadence, giving the song a storytelling edge.

From verse to verse, “Psalm 23” captures a journey of redemption and renewal, and makes one reflect on the story of the biblical prodigal son. The linee, “Was lost, now found/By a Beauty unmatched,” instantly establish a narrative of transformation, resonating deeply with themes of spiritual revival and personal awakening.

The clever allusion to “BeRevived” is a reference to Bill Johnson’s Instagram handle actually. The repeated call to “follow me” invites listeners into an intimate, communal experience of faith and growth. Shona is acting as a disciple here, like referencing ‘come and see’. The metaphor of the “yellow brick road” as a path leading “home” beautifully blends cultural references with the idea of a spiritual homecoming, emphasizing belonging and the promise of a brighter journey ahead. This verse’s lyrical sincerity and evocative imagery make it an engaging highlight that connects authentically with diverse global audiences.

Shona’s approach to scripture in her music is rare and fresh, standing out for how she seamlessly blends biblical text with contemporary Hip-Hop. Rather than simply quoting scripture, she channels it with dynamic flow and emotive storytelling, drawing listeners into a deeper engagement with the text. Her delivery acts as an invitation, not to replace scripture reading, but to encourage people to encounter the original passages themselves on a personal level. This method respects the sacredness of scripture while creatively making it accessible to a wider audience, especially listeners who resonate with rap music.

What makes Shona’s sound particularly compelling is her ability to balance reverence with the Hip-Hop sound. The result is a musical experience where listeners are inspired not just to enjoy the track but to go back to the Bible for their own personal study and connection. Shona’s work opens a space where faith and culture meet, making scripture a living, breathing source of inspiration that encourages active spiritual engagement rather than substitution.

Looking into Shona’s recent releases “Psalm 23” and “Psalm 16,” there is a distinctive feature of having only one verse coupled with a memorable hook. This is a strategic artistic choice that effectively enhances a listener’s engagement. By focusing primarily on crafting a catchy hook, she creates an anchor for the song’s message that listeners can easily grasp and recall. This hook acts as the core emotional and theological statement, making sure the essence of the message is instantly accessible and widely memorable.

Meanwhile, the verse functions as a powerful bridge, providing depth and narrative weight, offering reflective storytelling that draws listeners further into the song without overwhelming them with lengthy lyrical content. This balance ensures the song remains both radio-friendly and spiritually substantial, striking a harmonious line between artistry and accessibility.

If we can critically look at this, Shona’s use of the verse as a bridge that ‘hooks’ the audience reinforces the potency of the hook itself, making her faith-infused music both compelling and impactful across diverse audiences. Shona’s “Psalm 23” is positioned as an invitation to embrace scripture, celebrate identity, and allow faith to speak in a unique way.

Listen to “Psalm 23″ here