Idris Elba Comes to Africa
Idris Elba is clearly not the type to be an absent leader.
Born on September 6, 1972, in London, England, Idris has made a name for himself as a versatile actor, producer, and DJ. He’s not just a pretty face; his performances in projects like "Luther," "The Wire," and "Beasts of No Nation" showcase his range and expertise.
Why We Love Him
Diverse Roles: Idris effortlessly transitions between gritty dramas and action-packed blockbusters. Whether he's solving crimes in a suit or battling monsters, he nails it every time.
Charming Personality: Beyond his acting chops, his engaging personality shines through in interviews and public appearances. He’s relatable, funny, and just downright cool.
Multifaceted Talent: Did you know he’s also a DJ? Under the name Big Driis, he spins music that keeps the party alive.
In his ongoing mission to enhance Africa's film industry, the Golden Globe-winning actor aims to construct film studios in Ghana and Tanzania in the next decade. He believes he cannot achieve this while based in London.
“I’m here to strengthen the film industry — that’s a 10-year endeavor,” Elba stated in a recent BBC interview. “I won’t succeed from abroad. I need to be on the ground, on the continent.”
The star of "Luther" mentioned that he hopes to relocate “in the next five to ten years, God willing,” and will be traveling to various places — including Accra in Ghana, Freetown in Sierra Leone, and Zanzibar in Tanzania — to engage with local storytelling.
“This industry represents a form of soft power, not just in Ghana but throughout Africa,” Elba shared with the BBC, emphasizing that with adequate resources and infrastructure, African filmmakers can reshape the colonial narratives often portrayed by Western media.
“If you watch any film relating to Africa, you’ll predominantly see themes of trauma, slavery, colonization, and war,” Elba remarked. “But when you visit Africa, you’ll discover that’s not the full picture.”
He added, “It’s crucial that we tell the stories of our traditions, cultures, languages, and the unique variations among different languages. The world is largely unaware of this.”
In addition to his work in entertainment, Elba also has ambitions to create an “eco-city” on Sherbro Island, a tropical area off the southwestern coast of Sierra Leone, where his father was born. Led by his childhood friend Siaka Stevens, grandson of a former Prime Minister of Sierra Leone, this initiative aims to introduce wind-powered renewable energy to the country for the first time.