Ex-Gang Member On Teen Murders, £27,000 Robberies and Prison | Minutes With |

In this week's episode of Minutes With, we sat down with Hackney Wick FC founder, Bobby Kasanga. Bobby discusses his early childhood in South-East London and his recruitment by gang, 'The Peckham Boys'.
He explains how his crimes escalated from robbing phones to security vans, his 8 years in prison, and his decision to establish a community football club to help other young people upon his release.
Subscribe To Our Channel: bit.ly/SubscribeLADbible
Be In Our Videos: / ladbiblecasting
Facebook: / ladbible
Instagram: / ladbible
Twitter: / ladbible
#LADbible #UNILAD
To license this video please email: [e-mail]

[@LADbible]

Thanks so much to Bobby for taking part! You can find out more about the work Bobby does at www.thinkoutsidetheblox.co.uk / www.hackneywickfootballclub.com Follow on IG at @hackneywickfc and @Bobbykasanga20

[@warrenwaugh6034]

Bobby is a true go getter, I’ve worked with him before to facilitate one of his projects, loved his energy and vibe, so positive and respectful. I rate him highly and wish him all the success in life.

[@itsfinebecauseoftheimpli-bs1sl]

I always say it’s not a mistake if you learn from it, because if you do then it’s a lesson, I did my fair share of dirt when I was younger and now I’m a fully qualified youth worker and I want to help young people stay away from that life, I respect Bobby because he’s giving advice you can’t buy from someone with a degree who’s never seen that life and or knows what it’s like, respect Bobby mate keep it up

[@bushratbeachbum]

Finally an ex gang member who doesn't feel the need to speak like a robot and actually seems to have learned from his experiences. More power to you Bobby. Do well fella. Massive respect to you.

[@Threemore650]

Obviously the beat down worked.

[@jamesmoss56]

​@@Threemore650 there are a lot of great kind, intelligent people who get involved with this kind of stuff. Its one of the sad realities about places like Peckham... The germans weren't all bad people but they essentially tried to wipe out a whole race of people and more. Its all circumstance, and one can't sit and judge from a perspective coming from a more privileged background in a normal area

[@dwayne1859]

@@jamesmoss56 They didn't try to wipe out a race. Being Jewish isn't a race. Also i wonder how many Jews were in France, Russia, England? and beyond?

[@jayo3074]

​@@jamesmoss56"Germans weren't all bad"? 😂

[@TheCutiePatrol]

i respect his honesty, this is how they really live, they dont actually have hard lives and live in rough areas, he had a job, education, money, yet still needed to get involved in gang shit. when he said year 9, it made me shocked because where i grew up, a small little country village, i had been stabbed twice by age 10, then watched my best friend die, was taking drugs by 11 and saw drugs consistently in the local recreation area, there were heroin needles and people openly smoking weed. you have so many options in places like london, yet they pretend to be disadvantaged. the little village i grew up in had the poor area and then the nice big houses at the other end, there are no jobs, you got to travel 6 miles. we didn't even see it as a gang, it was just the people you grew up with and for the fights, they'd walk 3 miles into a corn field with bats, hammers and knives. when he said "police kicked the shit out of me", my response was "you've never had the shit kicked out of you".

[@mrebk3358]

Bobby Kasanga the cashbox king. People in the comments dont realise the area and era he is from. North Peckham estate was rough. People were getting murdered every month. Look at the story of Damilola Taylor. He was in the UK specifically North Peckham for only 4 months after moving from Nigeria. Ended up stabbed to death at the age of 10. Growing up in that scenario and area wasnt easy. Yes Bobby isnt a saint but his whole transition to owning a football club providing oppurtunities for vunerable youth is nothing less than remarkable

[@ponyboycurtis3795]

Yep and before him and his era there was the oldskool South London armed robbers and faces like Ronny Easterbrook and Vic Dark etc who were white before the culture and demographics changed.

[@Unspoken_T187]

Pauser was the cash box king

[@Mandy-nw6dv]

This dudes a prime example of a game changer 🙌 massive respect to this dude. He shows real remorse. Nice one 👍

[@czblax6697]

@@suprarcjpop545 U can tell he’s not proud of it and doesn’t justify his actions nor romanticise that life style, he did his time and turned his life around don’t be so negative.

[@warrenwaugh6034]

@@suprarcjpop545 I can guarantee you he is fully apologetic and full of remorse, he was obviously misled and knows right from wrong and more importantly owns the negative life he once lived....

[@scotttillman01]

@@suprarcjpop545 Really? Does saying "sorry" make it true? Deeds say more than anything. Words mean nothing.

[@suprarcjpop545]

@@scotttillman01 His deeds mean fk all to his victims.

[@rufdymond]

Having grown up in an area like this - I would say this guy is typical of many young men who ended up in gangs. I’ve known many, sadly some are no longer here……gone before their life even started. I’ve seen so many from good families, who were good decent guys get swallowed up by the streets, it is remarkably easy for it to happen in these neighbourhoods. I look at my own son, who never joined a gang or got into trouble, but I can tell you every day was a battle. To be honest I had to at times turn gangster on him, and anyone who I ever saw him with who I didn’t like…..I didn’t mess around. Kids of that age, just don’t see the warning signs - today he is a father and I’m a grandad and he gets it 100% why I was so tough on him and anyone who I felt was around him that I didn’t like. The sad truth is that not ever parent has the strength to be like me, and I can tell you it took a lot. Dropping your guard just once is enough to lose your child to the streets….that’s how these neighbourhoods operate.

[@Robaylesbury]

Such a clever lad. Good example that change is possible.

[@humanearthman]

Agree with the sentiment but he never needed to change, he was always a good guy he just got dragged into it because of circumstances and proximity

[@humanearthman]

@@abdulSpruce it's not a question of intelligence, when you're young and surrounded by it it's hard to know what's up and what's down, what's right and what's wrong, it's not until you break free you can see clearly It's all about loving kindness, it's not about 'getting a pass' it's about understanding that not everyone has the privilege of perspective when they have never been outside of their own environment

[@michael43567]

​@abdul Spruce show 10k to many kids & they'll be intrigued and want to know how you got it

[@ab456z]

Very intelligent fellow

[@Skoopyghost]

I have dyslexia. I never done well in school. I think it's crazy to see acedemics in crime.

[@ukvaper3172]

Really enjoyed watching Bobby’s experience. Scary how so many young people get sucked up into this life. Happy he turned it around.

[@MaSoNGaMeR115]

"young people" what are you talking about? they're less than 3% of young people in the uk, blaming a whole generation for one demographics signature behaviour

[@willysmedia918]

Best thing about bobby is he dont try and gas it up. Tells his story as it was no bullshit or dramatics just lays it out on the table. This guy is living proof that you dont have to live that life if you dont want too.

[@daniel7v14]

This is what a real role model looks like. More power to you brother. 👊🏾

[@Krwler]

A role model? Someone who used to be a criminal and then stopped? What are you on?

[@selfishgirlsgofirst]

@@Krwler not my role model 😂😂😂😂

[@YaNansCrustyToe]

The most ridiculous thing I’ve seen🤣🤣

[@OfficialTechnician]

Someone who was poorley influenced and changed his life to guide youth to a better life. He's helped a lot of youth out so is definetly a role model to a lot of people@@Krwler

[@L4Leezus]

Yeah, but, No.

[@sayknow]

I've met Bobby on a number of occasions and you can only be impressed by the way he has turned his life around, and has been so open about his troubled past to help others from going down the same path.

[@Forensic999]

You chatting poo 🤣

[@YaNansCrustyToe]

Bobby a sausage bruv

[@MaSoNGaMeR115]

if that impresses you, i once saw one of them throw a piece or trash into a trashcan.. i mean he was an actor filming a commercial and had been instructed to do that, but he still did it on the 4th attempt

[@raa5967]

Proof that no matter how dark your past, you can always turn it around. Imagine this man wasn't given the opportunity to show how much positive impact he could have on society when he was released from prison.

[@Jay-nf8fm]

Big respect for the work this dude is now doing to help kids with football.. Props to Bobby 👏

[@iBunZz360]

Inspirational guy. Proof you can genuinely turn your life around, massive respect to you Bobby.

[@michael43567]

Having grown up in London, my antennas always went up when I heard "lemme see that..." or "you got the time?" or you have a football & the olders say "ay lemme get a touch". Just know you may not get whatever you gave them back.

[@wardybasher]

As someone that frequented the Gloucester Grove estate and grew up in Peckham Bobbys story is very relatable. Prison can make or break an individual. It’s refreshing to see that Bobby used the time away constructively and is making a positive difference. Well done..👏

[@TheAlkebulanTrust]

Man like Bobby Kasanga aka The Peckham Zidane. Aka Big Ego Media aka Hackney Wick FC 💪🏿👊🏿

[@za803]

Fuck me you really be bumming Bobby raw

[@tommy2972]

What?

[@lankzorlk3722]

Woahhh big harsh

[@lankzorlk3722]

Use your head Peckham zidane prolly head butted a few man

[@tommy2972]

@@FearTheIndoorHorseRancher What?

[@100162136]

Love this story of rehabilitation and community work! Bobby, max respect for your work in the community and inspiring and helping those around you and now others further afield with this video👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@PinPointEnts]

Shout out to open University for giving people the opportunity to learn.

[@finleywalsh1658]

Love these stories. So powerful and moving

[@henryroser8471]

What an incredible man. Big respect for this guy, an incredible journey and an incredible person. He’s just getting started no doubt.

[@arianalovelace1133]

Respect to you for turning your life around your an inspiration and now a role model to the young men that have grown up in gang culture.Bless your soul my brother ❤

[@j4x475]

What a great example of how to learn from your mistakes and use the knowledge for good. Well done mate.

[@keirandavis4591]

Top man. Just goes to show people can change from past mistakes. Big respect for what you’re doing now with the younger generation👏

[@urbanyeti5233]

Really enjoyed listening to this! Very honest

[@chrisdrew6977]

Great watch Very articulate and intelligent man👊🏻

[@FEE8Tth8BEA8T]

Go on Bobby! Such a great turnaround and an inspirational guy

[@stevenkoudanis5238]

Smart , hardworking guy I am very happy for him and hope he keeps up the success

[@jonnyratcliffe514]

this guy is one very clever man deserves to do well wish him all the best

[@lefty21150]

What a gr8 interview allowing bobby to speak n speak vv well he does.congrats to bobby i wish him every success n health n happiness..beautiful turnaround 😁🙏❤

[@JakeLDS]

This is a real human being right here, full respect.

[@floptime]

My G. Good to see him on great things. Elevate and Motivate

[@dawncampbell1284]

This story is a testament of good overcoming evil. Well done sir xx

[@animekingdom6603]

I grew up near Peckham and used to go through the exact places he talks about (peckham library). Id go through there everyday for school. Living through the same environment as his, he speaks with pure authenticity and realness. Its fucked and it genuinely felt like a war ground for us teens at the time who wanted to just go school and home safely without being robbed, attacked or chased. Its good now that the places are starting to develop and from my knowledge the crime rate went down (specifically crimes on civilians) like robbing. But its a very easy for teens to get influenced. Big ups to him 🙏🏾

[@MaSoNGaMeR115]

"us teens" wow that's quite a vague term, can you be more specific? only this is something that one group of people do everywhere you exist in the world, seems like you're trying to share the blame.

[@animekingdom6603]

@@MaSoNGaMeR115 maybe i didnt explain it in the best that part of my comment. “Us teens” that lived within broken council estates with gang members as your neighbour. Family members involved and or close friends that were. Which covered alot of areas in London, and where i lived, also “us teens” were raised and was cautious daily when travelling whether it was someone they knew that had bad intentions on them or people that would if they knew where you lived was from an opposing area. Now also when i say “us teens” i mean my from lifetime the people i met and had my childhood living around. Obvs this is a case all around the world even my own ethnic background country so im very aware. But as this video is talking about a location and time period where i exactly can relate to and or seen (including areas he mentions) thats why i commented. I dont share blame, i speak as someone that spent 25 years living in the parts of London he talks about.

[@jaflaf3201]

I used to manage his U21s. He sacked me after a week for threatening the players lol. Funny guy, likes to give everyone an opportunity. Decent football club. Helped my life a lot in that small time period.

[@daisiesandpandas1218]

😂 oh my days this comment is hilarious! I don't know if it's because of what you got fired for or that you were so truthful about what you did and don't mind!

[@daisiesandpandas1218]

Love the mindset!

[@jaflaf3201]

@DaisiesandPandas yeah the players weren't listening so I offered them a fight to resolve it. Then I got sacked. Honestly decent fella with a big heart. He genuinely gives opportunity to all.

[@Moxhification]

Would like to see a longer sit down chat with Bobby.

[@tomwatson856]

Respect pal, very refreshing

[@kpow_22]

Sounds like a good guy! ... using his experiences to help others not make the same bad choices, bravo sir 👏

[@IrOnFiSt-xg5vn]

Top man for turning your life around and for trying to help the younger generation who have so much potential!

[@louiseknight462]

What a great communicator, he needs to do these talks in schools.

[@jamessharkey5731]

Inspiring words young man. Thank you for standing up and telling your story. Respect.

[@mendaciousreality8459]

Respect James thank you

[@danieledney5775]

What a gent. I love a story of redemption. Nothing but respect to this man ❤

[@TommyAye]

I'm glad Bobby has been able to show this true potential. A very impressive man

[@timsmith5754]

One of the most decent things I've watched on KZbin. I was in a gang it's not as good as being in a job. Respect to him👍❤🙏

[@clarkeysmusic]

What a remarkable story - well done for changing your life around. life is worth living.

[@martincoyle8255]

What grey guy this lad is. Turned around the shit and is making it positive 👊🏻

[@michael43567]

shout out Bobby & Big Ego Media. Proud of how he & his brother turned their life around

[@matthewmckenzie6744]

Really enjoyed his story 👏🏾

[@mjp1308]

Truly inspirational ❤

[@helenagackowska8398]

Ohh this is so great!

[@markg2463]

Would love to hear a lot more on his time after jail, including more detail on how he got the team started and how he has managed it's development since. I completely understand that the criminality aspect gets the viewers and that's why the build up to the happy ending is significantly longer than the ending but there must be a lot more value in what he has done since serving his time. Respect to this man

[@drangmoto8]

I be😊

[@drangmoto8]

🎉 🎉

[@dopeyrelaxingsounds8607]

he his own youtube channel where he talks about his experiences.

[@09SHOOTINSTAR]

“Got a big ego like Bobby Kasanga” (Big ego media) Follow this guy on social media for a while now, nothing but positive vibes and good guidance for the younger generation. Well done Bobby keep moving 👏🏼

[@JM-fn3hq]

Quoting rimzee bars u ahhh real one 👌🏻

[@daleanderson1285]

Big shout out to Bobby bringing all the communities together ❤️🙌

[@mendaciousreality8459]

Thanks Dale

[@legaleagles3654]

Great guy, really hope he keeps trying to help others.

[@rarayena9639]

Incredible journey…well done 👍🏿

[@antden6218]

I knew Bobby growing up in 11P (if u know, u know), genuine guy, glad he is now using his talent in a positive way. 👏🏾

[@jamesbecki8104]

This guy. Super smart, reflective and doing everything he can to save kids from ending up either dead or in prison though the beautiful game, legit role model.

[@richardmoore9874]

Inspirational. Positive. What a great turn around.

[@nanaduodu1616]

Loved this story 👏🏿 can tell this is just another case of a good guy that grew up in the wrong area.

[@patmann9363]

That's about 70 % of the people on the street s

[@suzannewby8843]

God bless bobby, and stay true to your self, being honest and not grassing xxx

[@DJLTELEVISION]

Met this guy a few times grafting in Hackney, love his Aura!

[@nadiabarrett5195]

so glad he's living up to his potential, he's obviously intelligent and motivated; the gang life is so hard on people, hard to imagine that anyone can be truly happy there. wonderful to hear he has a family of his own now!

[@janicewilliams5576]

Congratulations Bobby. I wish him every success. x

[@traceyansell6404]

Wow what a great watch listen so relatable to hear hope the young hear your words hard for young but hope you're story reaches the young if they hear this think it will not reach all but if it saves a few thank you ❤

[@SashaShantel1704]

So Proud ❤

[@100162136]

LADbible I want to hear more of these stories👌🏻👌🏻

[@MillhouseSpeaks]

Fascinating! It’s only right to get uncle Roberto on snack wars Uk Vs Congo snacks!

[@topsecret6995]

Inspirational story

[@GoonerB2B]

Big respect big man

[@itsdan722]

I been watching your channel Bobby, im getting ready to go inside and watching your channel has mentally prepped me

[@aka_senior_8427]

"I Was very good at football" played for the year sixes in year 4 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@a.v.london1952]

Peckham boys was one of the biggest gangs in London at the time!

[@ben_imaging]

This is too short. This guy has a lot of valuable experience to share.

[@christopherbaxter434]

Proud of you brother 🙏🏾

[@padigernon7838]

This is a nice guy! Fair play to him

[@philbourne548]

Top man 👏🏻

[@SM-fk5or]

Man like Bobby Kasanga! Real inspiration for the youth

[@robmarkworth5377]

Well done bobby, great story.

[@gutz323]

Ive seen loads of ex criminals doing the rounds on KZbin that say they are reformed, and are against knife crime, and they are dedicating the rest of their lives helping youths, blah, blah blah!.... most of them seem false, and i dont believe they are doing such charitable things for anything other than themselves. This guy on the other hand seems different, i believe he is 100% reformed, and doing what he is doing for the good of his community. Keep going sir! You are doing great things. It is a shame that your murdered friend didnt get caught the day he did that first robbery, he would likely still be alive today, and you could have been a succesfull, rich football player. It is strange how one little incident in life can change the total path of the rest of it.

[@resonate3987]

King Bobby! Total respect!🫡👑

[@bdcalling1391]

So glad Bobby has turned his life around

[@bengreen4162]

He has a youtube channel come across it years ago and watched every single video he had as was just invested in his story, crazy I’ve just come across this now. For anyone that maybe wants to know of a lot more stories of what things he went through and also advice on certain situations I’d deffo give his channel a look, this is a great overall message and good to get an idea of life inside Peckham and gangs but he doesn’t really scratch the surface of some of the crazy and also upsetting things this man went through. Take my hat of too him massively

[@gingerwingerful]

Cashing in on his notoriety right well they will soon be off back to motherland

[@55tranquility]

Fairplay to him for turning things around 👍👍

[@deva2362]

Well done ✔😀

[@Kokanekillahs]

Can 100 percent relate to this.

[@JaeDavies23]

Respect. 💯

[@ManchesterAncoats1]

Good stuff good storie change is good

[@rastamouse2838]

Bobby is a legend. Shout out BigEgoMedia

[@jamalrobinson2159]

Peckham...the ONLY place I've been to that reminds me of where I lived ...in Spanish Town Jamaica...Real ghetto youth...Real inspiration

[@benpickering4207]

Good watch this 🤛🏽🤜🏽

[@rufdymond]

Having grown up in an area like this - I would say this guy is typical of many young men who ended up in gangs. I’ve know many, sadly some are no longer here……gone before their life even started. I’ve seen so many from good families, who were good decent guys get swallowed up by the streets, it is remarkably easy for it to happen in these neighbourhoods. I look at my own son, who never joined a gang or got into trouble, but I can tell you every day was a battle. To be honest I had to at times turn gangster on him, and anyone who I ever saw him with who I didn’t like…..I didn’t mess around. Kids of that age, just don’t see the warning signs - today he is a father and I’m a grandad and he gets it 100% why I was so tough on him and anyone who I felt was around him that I didn’t like. The sad truth is that not ever parent has the strength to be like me, and I can tell you it took a lot. Dropping your guard just once is enough to lose your child to the streets….that’s how these neighbourhoods operate.

[@RLMILL]

Top man 👌🏼

[@Move_Like_A_Wolf81]

Absolute g ❤

[@michael43567]

everybody I know who grew up in Peckham, Brixton or the south in general in the 90's/00's knows someone who got stabbed. They had metal detectors in some schools because people would bring knives

[@kyahjewel2753]

What an amazing person ❤️🥹

[@JJmaquinas_pesadas_in_Madrid]

congratulations my brother

[@juu57857]

3:43 im sure tiny boost references this in one of his songs

[@baotcreekdisco]

All the best for the future

[@an94x24]

Not the Peckham boys avengers, that made me chuckle😅. Inspiration to the young black kids, God bless him

[@slwldn]

Bobby Kasanga yanna. Legend right there. Hackney Wickers FC

[@Di_Marko0775]

Bobby is a true legend with a bright and successful future ahead this is what parents and schools need to be showing kids and teens and as a parent myself with a only child I hope that in the future my son will never live the gang life it's not worth it and you only end up in Jail or dead but unfortunately it's glamourised and only shown about the money and dr*ugs, it's about the life you chose the life didn't choose you.