Femi Koleoso Composes Original Jazz Score for Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi Transfer Announcement

Photo Credit: Femi Koleoso/Instagram

British-Nigerian drummer Femi Koleoso has composed the original jazz soundtrack for Arsenal’s official unveiling video of new signing Martin Zubimendi, adding a powerful cultural layer to the club’s latest midfield acquisition. The video, now making waves online, doesn’t just confirm a major signing—it delivers a carefully crafted story powered by sound, style, and a North London heartbeat.

Zubimendi, who completed a long-term move from Real Sociedad after more than 230 appearances for the Spanish side, is seen walking through a dimly lit tunnel in the opening frames of the announcement. But what grips viewers isn’t just the visuals, it’s Koleoso’s haunting, textured jazz composition, composed specifically for the moment. The piece elevates the transfer video into something more than content — it becomes atmosphere.

Femi Koleoso, the bandleader of Ezra Collective and musical director for Jorja Smith, is no stranger to cultural moments. His band won “Group of the Year” at the 2025 Brit Awards, becoming the first jazz act to do so, and their single God Gave Me Feet for Dancing made Barack Obama’s 2024 summer playlist. With a sound rooted in afrobeat, hip-hop, calypso and classic jazz traditions, Koleoso has helped redefine what British jazz sounds like today.

In the final seconds of the video, the screen fades as the words “And this one starts at the centre” appear. Then Koleoso walks into frame and embraces Zubimendi, saying simply, “Welcome to north London, my guy.” No scripted slogans, just a genuine moment.

Speaking after the video dropped, Koleoso shared on Instagram: “Truly an honour to score the music and film this alongside the family at Arsenal.”

The collaboration marks another creative high for Arsenal’s media team while underscoring the influence of young British-Nigerian artists who continue to shape the global cultural space, from stadiums to stages and everywhere in between.