Bowler Tape: Axel Disasi

Axel Disashi Disasi is best known as a Chelsea centre-back but off the pitch he is becoming synonymous with effortless cool as a France international. Born in Gonesse and raised in Villiers-le-Bell, just north of Paris, Disasi, of Congolese descent, grew up listening to rumba and French rap, and cites South African DJ and producer Uncle Waffles and Parisian rapper Niño as current artists he resonates with.

Disasi has a laid-back personality that doesn’t take things too seriously and can be found listening to the Amapiano at Afro Nation or attending a concert by Italian composer Ludovico Emandi, the latter of which suits his calm and thoughtful nature. Having come through Paris FC’s youth program, representing France internationally and playing for a Premier League club, Disasi says he hopes his fighting spirit will inspire the next generation.

At CLASH, Disasi combines his God-given talent for sports with his passion for music and fashion.

How would you describe your personal style off the pitch?

Off the pitch I’m a pretty simple person and I don’t take things too seriously. When I go to training I’m a pretty calm and cool person. When I go to a restaurant or go out with friends I put more effort into my style, but generally speaking I’m pretty laid back in my everyday life. I like to laugh a lot and relax.

Who is the most stylish player on your team?

I would say Reece JamesNot bad at all. I think he’s the most stylish guy in our locker room.

Who is your biggest fashion inspiration?

I like the way Americans dress. They dress very freely, you know. So I would choose LeBron James, or, guess what… Gervonta Davis in this case. I really like his style.

Do you think there is more pressure to be somewhat knowledgeable about brands and fashion than there was in previous generations?

When I was younger, I wasn’t really interested in it. Now, athletes are more than just athletes. They have to show their interests and their clothes even off the pitch because it inspires them on every level. As trends progressed, I started to like fashion and became more interested in it. Now I’m obsessed with fashion and I enjoy it a lot because it allows me to discover new things and see myself in a different light.

What are your earliest and most recent memories related to music?

This summer I went to Afro Nation with Amapiano and Afrobeat artists, and I also had the opportunity to go to a Ludovico Einaudi concert. I’m of Congolese descent, so I listened to rumba at home, Congolese rumba, and a little bit of French rap when I was around the neighborhood with friends.

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Music often shapes our identity. What genres or artists do you most identify with and why do you think they connected with you?

It’s up to the artist. child For example, we both grew up in the same environment, in the suburbs of Paris, and we have both experienced good and bad things, so we can say that we are connected. We are both men who have worked hard and been successful. I am also a fan of Amapiano. Waffle UnclesHe makes fun, joyful music that resonates with my personality.

I have a very calm side to my personality and I take time to reflect on my situation, so my music can be piano-based, so it can be a bit of everything, so to speak.

What music do you listen to during your pre-game ritual? What was the last song you listened to loudly in your car?

Before a match, it depends on my mood. In general, I like to listen to stuff that gets me pumped, that brings me joy, that motivates me. If I want to get motivated, I’ll listen to some hardcore French rap. If I want to get in a good mood, I might listen to some Amapiano. On the way to this interview, I had “Branché sur Snap” by Niño on. I was chilling in the car for the hour and a half drive. It was going well.

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With a platform like yours, how important is it to positively influence others and inspire creativity?

As you said, it’s about inspiring and motivating people, especially the younger generation. Through my attitude and my image, I always try to radiate a fighting spirit. You can see my sacrifices, my efforts and my struggles. I do it to inspire the next generation. The more people I inspire, the better. So, in my daily life, I try my best to continue on this path. Always with joy. Because it’s important to smile in life. It’s our responsibility to do it in the right way. By showing our faces and our personalities, we are already paving the way for all our young brothers and sisters who want and dream to achieve this goal.

Outside of football, are there any other creative fields you are passionate about exploring?

I love film and acting. I would love to take classes one day. Film and acting are important to me. Of course, music is important too, but I really love acting.

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