Meet the Championship footballer who is also taking the music world by storm

Meet the footballer who is hoping to take the music world by storm whilst playing in the Championship.

19-year-old Derrick Abu was at Chelsea for 11 years before making the switch to Championship club Southampton this week.

This summer, Abu made his musical debut when he performed in Ibiza in front of a screaming crowd for the first time.

Speaking about the experience, he told the Daily Mail: “I was nervous because they might not have known my songs, they might not vibe off me.

“But as soon as I hopped onto the stage the fans gave me so much energy. I felt so welcome.

“When I was younger I would watch videos of artists performing and say ‘I want to do that as well,’ people singing songs you've created.”

He added: “It’s similar in some ways but also a completely different type of feeling to being in front of fans playing football because you're on your own on that stage. All eyes are on you.”

✍️ Abu arrives 👋

We can confirm the signing of defender Derrick Abu, who joins #SaintsFC Under-21s for the 2023/24 season:

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) July 5, 2023

In the music world, Abu goes by the name ‘Cho$en’ and has already released songs.

He said: “Normally my songs are on the playlist in the changing rooms and the boys are always banging the songs.

“We have one specific song Outside that we played before going out, like a pre-game ritual. That one brings the energy.”

Abu continued: “But we had a game and then at halftime that I heard one of the beats of one of songs playing and I was like ‘no way!’ it just didn’t feel real.”

Abu is adamant to keep chasing his dream of being both a musician and a footballer.

He said: “s long as I'm motivated in both industries and happy there’s no doubt I’m going to keep chasing my dream.

“I want to be a world class footballer and a world class artist. I want to be the biggest of both worlds. I'm not afraid to say it, that's just the reality.

“That’s what motivates me - being a star and inspiration so other kids have big dreams and think they do not have to limit themselves. You can reach for as high as high as you can as long as your mindset [is right], you manifest it and stay humble about it. You can do anything you want.”