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'I was worried people would tell me to shut up and practise scrums'
Wasps prop Biyi Alo has already made a big impression in English rugby and is now making an impact on the world of hip-hop music as he proves there is more to life than scrums and rucks. Under the name Biyi, Alo has released five songs that have been streamed on Spotify more than 415,000 times and another five are due for release before the new Gallagher Premiership season starts later this month.
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Less than two weeks ago, the 19st front row endured the bitter disappointment of losing the Premiership final to Exeter Chiefs at a rain-soaked Twickenham and now, after a short pause to let everyone get their breath back, the new season will kick-off for Wasps with a November 22 game at home to Bristol.
That 19-13 defeat by Exeter is still too raw for Alo to use as the basis for one of his songs and with training for the Wasps squad starting next week, the 27-year-old is eager to help the club build on the try-scoring momentum that took them into that Twickenham final.
When Alo was part of the Worcester Warriors squad he was the heaviest player in the Premiership at 24st, but he has now shed five-stone at Wasps while embarking on a music career that he hopes will help change perceptions about professional rugby players – his lyrics are intensely emotional and personal.
Alo told RugbyPass: “I put a lot of emotion into rugby and everything I do and when the smoke and mirrors are all gone it is about you and the person next to you. I was worried people would tell me to shut up and practise scrums but the attitude has been ‘there is one of us who is taking that step and expressing themselves’.
🌹New Music🌹
Lovebow OUT EVERYWHERE https://t.co/H0D3UetFzG— Biyi (@biyialo) November 2, 2020
“I haven’t had one bad word from anyone in rugby and I’m really happy. I didn’t start music for financial gain – it was an outlet. One of my tracks is doing particularly well and I have always enjoyed lyrics and music but didn’t start making my own until 2018. I was always writing lyrics and poetry and it has naturally been an outlet for me. If you don’t voice those thoughts they just sit in the back of your mind.
“I try and portray things through my lyrics and rugby is not always known for its emotional spaces. Once the Saturday match is over the focus is straight onto the next team meeting and preparations for the next game.
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“I have had a lot of positive reactions from my teammates who are way more supportive than I ever thought because I felt I would be looked at differently, but as soon as I released the songs the boys were saying they were proud of what I was saying and doing.
“People love to see someone who is involved in rugby – which has traditionally been about playing hard, having a few beers and going home – doing something different. I hope that young players coming into rugby who think they have to be a certain type of person and can’t be themselves can see that you can.
“The next five songs were recorded in the last month and they will be released shortly but there isn’t one about losing the final – I don’t want open that wound up!”
Before the second lockdown came into force in England this week, Alo was able to use a music studio in West Acton to record his latest songs – including the popular Lovebow – and having finished that work it is now back to the day job with Wasps where an initial short-term contract became full-time employment. “We finished the season later than most and we are on track to start training next week,” he said.
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“The beauty of getting back so quickly after the final is that there isn’t a lot of time to dwell on that result. It does feel weird to be starting a new season so soon. We adjusted our game plan in the final in that weather and were all very proud of our performance and it was the first time a lot of us had been in that position.
“We have shown we have strength in depth and while we will be without some guys away on international duty, everyone knows their roles and we are raring to go. Personally, to get the contract with Wasps was a personal goal and I knew I had a lot to prove and the coaches have put trust in me. It is massive for me.
“If you have excess weight you are not going to be as effective and while I didn’t have a target for my weight it was about working on my fitness and my diet. I’m at a good weight now and there is still more I can lose. Compared to my Worcester weight (24st) I’m in a completely different place and mindset.
“I’m loving my rugby at the moment and it was about a change of attitude and at Worcester, I was more of a passenger on a train rather than trying to drive it.”
Comments on RugbyPass
What a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
9 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
14 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
8 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
9 Go to comments