Portuguese footballer Rafael Leão, known for his skills on the soccer field as a player for AC Milan and the Portuguese national team, is now making his mark in the world of music. Under the name Way 45, Leão is set to release his debut album, “My life in each verse,” on Friday.
While soccer has always been Leão’s passion, music has also played a significant role in his life. Coming from a musical background – his father was a semba singer and he has an uncle who was a DJ – Leão has found solace and refuge in the world of “rhymes and beats.”
Leão revealed that he only started dedicating himself to creating music in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown. With ample time on his hands, he began experimenting with lyrics and instrumentals, seeking feedback from those involved in the music industry. Encouraged by the positive response, Leão gained confidence and decided to record his first album.
Under the genre of rap, particularly trap, Way 45 draws inspiration from American artists such as Roddy Ricch, Lil Durk, and Lil Baby. While he primarily sings in Portuguese, “My life in each verse” will also feature a few tracks in English.
The name Way 45 holds significance for Leão as it refers to the postal code of the Jamaica neighborhood in Seixal, where he grew up. It symbolizes never forgetting one’s roots and staying true to oneself.
Leão emphasizes that his footballer and musician personas are distinct. While Rafael Leão is reserved and less expressive on the soccer field, Way 45 is an artist who expresses his feelings and shares his personal experiences.
Persistence is a common thread that runs through both Leão’s football and music careers. He believes that to succeed in either field, one must have the determination and perseverance to overcome challenges and create something that resonates with people.
When asked to choose between football and music, Leão unequivocally chooses football. While he acknowledges his achievements in the sport, including playing for a prestigious club like AC Milan and the Portuguese national team, he aspires for more, including winning the Ballon d’Or and the Champions League.
Initially, Leão faced ridicule from his fellow footballers when he started singing. However, as they began to appreciate his music, he realized the power of persistence and the importance of staying true to oneself.
In addition to featuring Angolan singer Soarito, who already has a name in the music industry, “My life in each verse” also showcases emerging talents from 608 Records, Leão’s label. He hopes to provide opportunities for these artists to establish themselves and elevate the reputation of their label.
As the album’s release date approaches, Leão is excited to see how people react to his music. While he acknowledges that music is secondary to his football career, he plans to continue creating whenever possible, as it serves as a refuge for him.
After June 30, when “My life in each verse” becomes available worldwide, Leão promises that there will be more surprises in store for his fans. He believes that musicians never stop making music, and he is determined to keep pushing boundaries and achieving greater heights in both football and music.
Why does Leão believe that visual storytelling is important in enhancing the music experience for his audience
To oneself.
Leão’s debut album, “My life in each verse,” is a deeply personal project that reflects his experiences and emotions. The album explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, with each song telling a story from his life. Leão hopes that his music can connect with others and inspire them to face their own struggles with resilience and authenticity.
In addition to his album, Leão has also been working on music videos to accompany his songs. He believes that visual storytelling is an integral part of the music experience and wants to create a complete artistic package for his audience.
Despite his newfound success in the music industry, Leão remains committed to his soccer career. He credits his passion for both music and soccer for keeping him motivated and fulfilled. Balancing his time between the soccer field and the recording studio, Leão hopes to continue making an impact in both worlds.
As he prepares for the release of “My life in each verse,” Leão is excited to share his music with fans around the world. He hopes that his album resonates with listeners and allows them to connect with his journey. With his talent, dedication, and unique perspective, Leão is certainly a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the soccer field.
Rafael Leão’s success in both football and music can be attributed to one thing: persistence. His unwavering dedication to perfecting his craft in two vastly different arenas is truly admirable. Leão’s story serves as an inspiration for aspiring talent to never give up on their dreams, no matter how diverse or challenging they may be.