Former Arsenal midfielder Alex Iwobi, now with Fulham, has released his debut single “Don’t Shoot,” a collaborative effort with fellow former Arsenal youth product Chuba Akpom and Ramsgate midfielder Medy Elito.
The track aims to discourage youth violence in London and encourage young people to channel their energy into positive pursuits like football and music.
In an interview with the Evening Standard, Iwobi explained the motivation behind the song, citing the prevalence of criminal activity in London during his upbringing. He hopes to use his platform to inspire young people to choose a different path.
“Growing up in London, there is a lot of criminal activity, things that you don’t want to see or hear,” Iwobi said. “With our powers, we are trying to say don’t do that, channel it into something else.”
Iwobi emphasised that while football remains his primary focus, music has always been a passion of his. The release of “Don’t Shoot” marks a new chapter in his career, showcasing his diverse talents beyond the football pitch.
“I’ve always loved music, I am not going to lie, but in terms of releasing a song, I never thought [that would happen],” he admitted. “It was just something where my friends said: ‘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.”
Chuba Akpom, Iwobi’s collaborator on the track, has been making headlines this summer with the uncertainty around his place at Ajax as he finds himself playing for his fourth manager in a year. He recently expressed concerns about his future at the club, citing a desire for more playing time.
“I want to be part of a team that needs me,” Akpom said. “I don’t think I can sit on the bench as a second striker for another year. If I get more involved in the games this year, then I’ll be happy to stay here. If that’s not the case, then maybe it’s time to look elsewhere.”
Akpom has scored 15 goals, with 3 assists in 36 appearances for Ajax, though, to be fair to him, he averages just over 42 minutes per appearance (or a goal or assist every 84 minutes).
Iwobi, meanwhile, remains at Fulham having joined them from Everton last summer for €25.7m, a little shy of the €30.4m the Toffees paid Arsenal for him in 2019.
Now 28, he has six goals and two assists in 33 appearances for the Cottagers. Combined with the goals and assists he got at Everton, the Arsenal youngster has scored 15 goals, and assisted 11 since leaving the club five years ago.