Former Arsenal midfielder, Alex Iwobi, has released his debut single
Former Arsenal midfielder Alex Iwobi has ventured into the music industry with the release of his debut single, “Don’t Shoot.” Collaborating with fellow footballers Chuba Akpom and Medy Elito, Iwobi’s song aims to deliver a powerful message to the youth. The single encourages young people to avoid violence and channel their energy into positive pursuits like sports and music.
The song, produced by Iwobi himself, reflects his experiences growing up in London, where he witnessed criminal activities that he hoped to steer young people away from. Iwobi has emphasized that the track’s goal is to inspire youths to aim for constructive goals instead of engaging in street violence which yields nothing.
The music video for “Don’t Shoot” adds a unique twist by featuring animation, and was created in collaboration with Kong Studio and SPK ABOUT IT. The video is styled as a homage to classic arcade games, reflecting Iwobi and his collaborators’ love for gaming. The animation includes references to their local areas in East London, blending humor and nostalgia to enhance the song’s positive message.
Iwobi’s musical endeavor comes after a successful season with Fulham FC, where he played an important role. Despite his focus on football, Iwobi has always had a passion for music, and this project allowed him to explore that interest without being distracted from his athletic career. He added, “It was something where my friends agreed that the music is actually decent, why don’t you release it? So, we thought let’s release it at the right time and not get distracted, because the main focus will always be football. But at the same time, I am more than just a footballer. I am human, like everyone else.” The single was released after the end of the 2023-2024 football season, during which Fulham finished 13th in the Premier League and reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
Reactions to Iwobi’s musical debut have been mixed, with some fans expressing surprise at his rapping skills while others are critical, questioning his commitment to football. Nonetheless, Iwobi remains committed to both his football career and his new venture into the music world, viewing himself as a multifaceted individual with diverse interests.
