First Idris Elba played the role of fearless South African president Nelson Mandela on the silver screen titled Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom. Now, the British actor is continuing the late prominent activist’s legacy in the form of music with his forthcoming album named mi Mandela.
While filming in Johannesburg, South Africa for the aforementioned 2013 film, the 42-year-old entertainer said he wanted to put the melodic sounds he encountered on wax while on location. After showing the reel to his father, Elba said he was encouraged to keep promoting the country’s instrumentals and decided to create this project in honor of Mandela, blending the voices of South Africa with that of his English upbringing.
In an interview with Noisey, Elba said, “I just want to embody South African musicianship, and what I love about UK musicianship, and see what would come out of it. Phuzekhemisi, for instance, isn’t exactly well known to us, but he’s an amazing Zulu guitarist who has sold over 30 million records to his own people. I also felt in touch with some producers who aren’t getting the light of day outside of their own townships, yet they are dope.”
Stream parts of the mi Mandela below ahead of its release date on Nov. 27.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7t7XBnmWcp51ku6bD0micp6yVp8Gitc2mnKesX56xs7XSZpylmpFivaLF0marq6GSqsGmec2eo6ynnmK6orrDnqOaZZ2eeq6tzZ2cpZldlrmjwcxmaW1sYm2BcA%3D%3D