When it comes to his acting and looks, ladies can’t get enough of Idris Elba but in November the TV and movie star will step into another passion and release a music album, inspired by his role as Nelson Mandela in the film “Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom.”
“The album came as a sort of afterthought if I’m honest,” he said in a promo video for the project (above). “When I was on ‘Mandela’ I was there for about 8 months and South African music was part of my research. Mandela was into his music and I wanted to understand what music he liked, so in that journey I discovered the roots of South African music. You know South Africa has over 60 different tribes and each one has a musical expression…” The “Luther” actor will experiment with some of these different sounds on the release that, according to The Hollywood Reporter, will include South African musical talent and guest vocals from Mumford & Sons (who Idris has recorded with before), James Blake, Maverick Sabre and Mr Hudson.
Though acting is what he’s best known for, Elba has always dabbled in musical pursuits. He DJs around the world under the moniker “DJ Big Driis” and has spun for BET’s series “Rising Icons” in ’09 and industry parties for big events like the NBA All Star games. He co-produced and performed on the intro to Jay-Z’s “American Gangster” album (2007) and most recently produced K. Michelle’s “Rebellious Soul” musical. He’s also releases a number of shorter EPs overseas, one of which landed him a Billboard Music Awards nomination (“High Class Problems Vol. 1″ released in the United Kingdom in February 2010).
The newest album is set for release on Nov. 24, in Johannesburg, Mali and London. Watch the actor discuss the project in more detail and take a listen at some of the music in the video above.
Would you check for this project?
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