Iwobi hopes to inspire youths through football, music

Alex Iwobi says he wants to use both his football career and budding music venture to inspire young people, Saturday PUNCH reports.

The Fulham midfielder made the assertion following the release of his second single titled ‘What’s Luv?’.

The Nigeria international, who performs with the stage name ‘17’, released his debut single ‘Don’t Shoot’ in June, which has already garnered nearly 60,000 streams on Spotify.

“Growing up in an area of London that is challenging for some people, I know how hard it can be, and I’m grateful to have a platform to try and make a difference,” Iwobi told BBC Sport.

“I hope that my music is another way of proving that young people do not have to feel they have to fit in just one box. I want them to be encouraged to achieve their dreams and to put their focus into positive things.”

The 28-year-old’s first song, which featured collaborations with former Arsenal teammate Chuba Akpom (performing as Skoli) and ex-England youth international Medy Elito (Don-EE), aimed to discourage youth from street violence, while his latest release celebrates his African heritage.

Iwobi, who has scored twice in nine Premier League appearances for Fulham this season, including in last week’s 1-1 draw against former club Everton, insists his musical pursuit won’t affect his football career.

“Creating music doesn’t take anything away from my football; it helps me switch off. I will always work hard and try to improve in my sport, but this is a good use of my spare time,” he added.

The Super Eagles star joins a list of footballers who have ventured into music. England legend Paul Gascoigne’s remake of ‘Fog on the Tyne’ reached number two on the UK singles chart in 1990, while Glenn Hoddle and Chris Waddle’s ‘Diamond Lights’ peaked at number 12 in 1987.

Other notable footballers who have explored music include Andy Cole, whose cover of ‘Outstanding’ reached number 68, and Kevin Keegan, whose 1979 single ‘Head over Heels in Love’ made it to number 31 in the charts.

More recently, former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has established himself as an accomplished drummer, while ex-Aston Villa striker Dion Dublin invented his own musical instrument called the Dube.

Last year, a masked rapper known as ‘Dide’ gained popularity while claiming to be an active Premier League footballer.