17 is a name you should know, even though Alex Iwobi is one you may already know. Alex Iwobi has built his career in the kind of spaces where consistency is expected, and individuality is often secondary. A reliable midfield presence over 300 Premier League appearances down the line, simultaneously representing Nigeria’s Super Eagles in major international tournaments, these hard-won accolades are a byproduct of deep desire and discipline.
This desire bleeds into other parts of his life, and for someone known mainly for one thing, it’s reflexive for people to think that’s all one is, but Alex is far from a one-trick pony. Slowly but surely, he’s been honing his skills off the pitch and in the studio. “Like anything in life, the more you practice, the better you get. The more time I spend in the studio, the more I improve.” His 10,000 hours are bearing fruit in 17’s latest EP “More to Life.”
It’s a project that exhibits the dynamism behind the man and rejects the conventional boxes you may want to place him in pre-listen. Personal experience shows up in poignant ways you wouldn’t get anywhere else. For example, “Letter” was born out of despair from losing the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2024; “I was mentally upset, and the best way for me to express that was through music.”
Pressure makes diamonds, and moments like that tend to define how athletes are seen; for Alex, they have also shaped how he chooses to present himself. “I don’t want people to see me as just a footballer or just a musician,” he says. “There’s a lot I want to do outside of football.” He has since been more deliberately exploring music as a parallel outlet; what started as an informal experimentation has given life to the artist 17, and a burgeoning creative outlet.
More Branches spoke with Alex Iwobi about his journey from elite football to creative exploration, the origins of 17, inspiration behind “More to Life”, and how he is navigating life through music and self-expression.
Your project “More to Life” was a great listening experience, and the title feels very intentional. What inspired that name?
My friends and I were in the studio picking songs that made the most sense. Once we had them, we started thinking about a title. I suggested “More to Life” because I don’t want people to see me as just a footballer or just a musician. There’s a lot I want to do outside of football, whether that’s music, fashion, or other creative things. I felt “More to Life” was the best way to express that I’m not limited to one identity.
Why did you choose the moniker “17”? What does it represent beyond the number?
When I first started playing professionally for Arsenal’s first team, I wore number 45. But number 17 is where I really grew into myself and became more established. That’s when I felt visible to the world. Since then, my friends and family have called me “Big 17.” It became part of my identity, and now it’s developed into a brand. Even casually, I’ll say “17” when I’m with friends, that’s how natural it’s become.
You’ve released singles before. Why was now the right time to drop an EP?
The singles were a way to slowly show people that I enjoy music and like making songs with friends. But now I feel like I’m taking music more seriously, so it felt like the right time to put out a full project.
Did you learn anything from your earlier singles that helped you level up for this EP?
Definitely. Like anything in life, the more you practice, the better you get. The more time I spend in the studio, the more I improve. I also watch other artists and learn from them. Naturally, you develop over time. That’s why I try to go to the studio as often as I can.
You worked with several collaborators, like Fido. What made you choose them?
It all happened organically because they’re my friends. For example, Fido came to the UK to watch a football game. We realized we both do music, so we went to the studio together and just vibed—that’s how that collaboration came about.
With my other friends, it’s the same thing. If I’m going to the studio, I invite them along. Some jump on tracks, some don’t, but it’s always natural. It’s never forced; it’s just a good vibe every time.
You also worked with fellow footballer Amadou Onana. What was that experience like?
It was great energy. The song we made together is actually about three or four years old. We were teammates at Everton when a platform challenged us to make a song in two hours. We ended up making two.
Since then, we’ve worked together again, even recording in Paris. It’s nice to switch off from football and focus on something creative like music. He’s really talented, and it’s great that we’re both doing well in football and music.
Your EP blends UK rap, drill, and Afrobeats. How did you bring those sounds together?
I’m still finding my sound, but I appreciate all types of music. I’m Nigerian, so Afrobeats comes naturally. I’ve also lived in the UK, so I’ve been influenced by rap and drill. There isn’t just one genre I stick to; that’s why the project is a mix of everything, which reflects “More to Life”.
I heard the intro of the song “By My Side,” and it reminded me of that gospel song we all grew up listening to. How did your song come about?
I grew up in a Nigerian household where we went to church every week. “By My Side” came from that experience. It’s actually a song that the others and I on the track would sing together.
It’s about being grateful. We believe that without God, we wouldn’t be where we are today. That’s the message behind it.
Do you have a favorite track on the project?
It’s tough, but I’d say “Letter.” I made it after an AFCON tournament where we lost to Ivory Coast. I was mentally upset, and the best way for me to express that was through music. That’s how the song came about.
What was it like working with your producer, EM1X?
I’ve worked with him for years. He produced about seven songs on the project. He’s like a wizard. We’ll challenge him to make a beat in 30 minutes, and he delivers every time. I’m really grateful for him and everything he brings to the music.
Do you see music as a long-term career alongside football?
Yeah, definitely. Music can be a long-term career if you stay consistent. It’s something I love doing, and I’ll keep making music for as long as I enjoy it, which I don’t see changing anytime soon.
Did you feel any fear before releasing the EP?
Not really. The singles helped me test the waters and see people’s reactions. At this stage in my life, I’m not afraid to express who I am, whether that’s through football, music, or fashion.
That’s part of the message behind “More to Life” – don’t be afraid to express yourself.
What message do you want fans to take from the project?
Honestly, I just appreciate that people are listening. That means a lot to me. And there’s definitely more music on the way.
Can fans expect live shows or performances?
It would be nice to do shows, but football comes first. If the timing works, I wouldn’t say no, but we’ll have to wait and see. I’ll leave that to my team to organize.
Any final thoughts?
Thank you to everyone listening. I really appreciate the support.
