Idris Elba Celebrates SXSW London Debut With Music Tech And Community Projects

Instagram/@idriselba

Idris Elba has etched his name in history by bringing his multi-pronged creative empire to the maiden edition of SXSW London. The actor-turned-DJ-and-entrepreneur reflected on the anniversary day via Instagram, plugging the entire event from the music label to tech innovations meant to empower creators.

Advertisement

The photo actually complemented the caption: five sharply dressed men probably backstage, sunglasses on, vibing to East London. That image alone would have left the whole world wishing it could step in and soak in the air.

Elba’s caption carried releases: He mentions the label Sound International, which will sign one artist from every country in the world; Akuna Wallet, a digital payment solution for Africa’s creators; and for serious actors like himself who have dyslexia as a constant companion-Talking Scripts-proving it is there for making scripts much easier to navigate.

But the real showstopper? Slick Rick’s long-awaited album they have been piecing together for the last seven years. “Gassed to drop the legend @therulernyc first album in over two decades,” he said, nearly salivating.

And Elba’s comment section was flooded with praises. One referred to him as “General Badman,” which the actor embraced with glee in a video, joking about his bad manness in reference to the event. Another fan, however, left a heartfelt comment on how they were motivated by Elba’s work ethic, stating, “I made a promise to myself to bring my dreams to reality… I will make you more proud.”

Others kept their reservations in praising the actors. One lone voice blasted Elba for his apparent sidestepping of darker influences on UK rap, but that little salvo was silenced by the wild cheers of other responses. The glorious enthusiasm fully resonated with the ecstatic SXSW London attendee @jay.eure, claiming the connections made were “Next-level,” and went on to say, “I think I found my tribe.”

He ended his piece with a call: “Your imagination is your most powerful tool; protect it, invest in it, and let it take you wherever your heart desires.” That is well-applicable to what this man has done in all his creative endeavors in music, tech, film, and philanthropy.

Advertisement

More than just a showcase, the event was an indication that Elba’s vision of a more inclusive and interwoven world in creativity is gaining serious traction. If you rate it by the buzz it produced, the whole world is ready for it.