SMI Radio Xtra: Sounders FC’s Steve Zakuani stages music benefit

Steve Zakuani from Sounders FC (Photo by Greg Roth)

Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Steve Zakuani came to the expansion club in 2009 as the number 1 draft pick. The Londoner quickly became a fan favorite because of his speed, flashy play, and his work in the community.

His popularity was never more apparent than early last season, when he suffered a literal bone-crunching, season-ending injury from a vicious tackle. He found the outpouring of fan support to be  overwhelming and uplifting. Through faith, hard work, and perseverance, this fan favorite has battled back from those injuries, and is slowly working his way back into the Sounders lineup.

Although Zakuani loves soccer, it’s more than just a game to him. It’s a vehicle to help others in the community reach their goals, too. That’s why Zakuani formed the non-profit organization, Kingdom of Hope.

This Thursday, November 1st at 8pm, Zakuani and his Kingdom of Hope will stage a free music event at The Triple Door Musiquarium. DJ Sketch will spin top 40 songs, as well as tracks from the Sounders midfielder’s debut album and J. Pinder will put on a special performance.

Zakuani won’t be quitting his day job any time soon, but he has a real passion for music – hip hop in particular. Check him out doing his thing on You Tube below.

Our SMI Radio Xtra features post-training conversation with Steve Zakuani, with details about Thursday’s event, his charity, what drives him to do charitable work, and his connection with the fans.

Proceeds from Thursday’s event will benefit Boys and Girls Club of Renton.  RSVP on Facebook. 

Not only is he a multi-media journalist, he is also an accomplished musician. He is the founder of SMI and drives the creative look, feel and branding for the publication. His years of writing, arranging, and performing live music in a variety of genres inform his ability to communicate the message and the mechanics of music. Roth’s work on SMI reflects his philosophy that music is the universal language, and builds community. He believes it has the power to unite people of every race, religion, gender, and persuasion.