Black Arsenal: Ezra Collective's Femi Koleoso on Identity, Henry, Vieira & the Gunners

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Ezra Collective drummer and lifelong Arsenal fan Femi Koleoso joins Rog for a deeply personal conversation about football, identity, belonging, and what Arsenal means to him.

Born in North London to Nigerian parents, Femi was raised an Arsenal fan before he even had a choice. He reflects on growing up idolizing Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira, the cultural significance of Arsenal’s Black players, and why the idea of “Black Arsenal” represents far more than what happens on the football pitch.

Femi also takes us through his most formative Arsenal memories, from Sylvain Wiltord’s title-winning goal at Old Trafford and the Invincibles at Highbury to the years of heartbreak and then triumph under Mikel Arteta. He shares the surreal experience of finally getting season tickets with his brother, the emotional rollercoaster of Arsenal’s title-winning season, and the unforgettable celebrations that followed.

And then there’s the parade. As the DJ for Arsenal’s title celebration, Femi had a front-row seat to one of the greatest days of his life, soundtracking the streets of North London as generations of Gunners celebrated together.

Plus, Femi reveals his five favorite Black Arsenal players of all time, discusses his favorite Arsenal kit, and explains why supporting the club has become such a profound part of his identity.

00:00 — Why Arsenal?
03:23 — Black Arsenal
07:20 — The Invincibles
10:02 — Arteta’s Arsenal
12:05 — Last Season’s Triumphs
17:20 — “It’s Not Done!”
20:10 — Winning the Premier League Title
24:06 — Celebrations Around the World
27:37 — DJing the Title Parade
30:00 — Arsenal As Winners
31:40 — Arsenal’s Top 5 Black Players

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