Maryam is an online news writer at Afri-Global News and a Computer Science graduate with a background in administration, customer service and HR support. She enjoys working with people and explaining ideas in a clear, relatable way. Her writing aims to connect with everyday readers and make the stories that matter easy to follow.
The Banku Music pioneer and business mogul reflects on his youthful athletic potential, revealing he turned down a European football opportunity to pursue global music stardom.
The celebrated recording artiste claimed that English Premier League giant Chelsea Football Club sought to sign him before acquiring John Mikel Obi.
The hitmaker made the surprising disclosure during a recent media appearance, reflecting on his early passion and talent for competitive football.
According to the musician, long before launching his international music career, he was a highly promising teenage footballer with exceptional technical skill.
He stated that scouts associated with the London football club identified his athletic potential during international youth scouting trials in West Africa.
He claimed the English club expressed serious interest in recruiting him into their academy setup ahead of their historic signing of Mikel.
However, despite the lucrative prospect of professional European football, the young athlete made a conscious decision to pursue his growing passion for music.
He revealed that his deep love for creative arts, songwriting, and sound production ultimately outweighed his desire to pursue professional sports.
The singer chose to complete his education and focus entirely on developing his distinct musical style, which later evolved into Banku Music.
His decision proved transformative, as he subsequently rose to international fame with hit singles including Skin Tight,Leg Over, and Zapato.
Beyond his commercial chart successes, the artist built a massive global business empire, founding the music distribution and financing platform Empawa Africa.
Empawa Africa has since provided funding, mentorship, and global distribution support to dozens of independent African artists across multiple countries.
The musician’s claim has sparked lively debates across social media platforms, with sports fans and music enthusiasts weighing in on the story.
Some sports commentators expressed curiosity about how his presence might have impacted Chelsea’s midfield dynamic during that successful era for London.
Others praised the entertainer for choosing a path that allowed him to revolutionize independent music distribution and empower African creative talent.
John Mikel Obi eventually joined Chelsea in 2006, going on to enjoy a legendary decade-long career that yielded multiple major European trophies.
Meanwhile, Mr Eazi established himself as one of the most commercially successful and influential music executives operating across the global entertainment landscape.
Reflecting on his journey, the vocalist expressed absolute satisfaction with his life choices, noting that music allowed him to achieve global impact.
He emphasized that every individual must follow their authentic calling, whether in sports, creative arts, business, or academic pursuits.
His intriguing story serves as a fascinating reminder of the alternative career paths that shape the lives of celebrated global icons.
