Idris Elba to “lean away” from acting to focus on electronic music

Idris Elba has revealed plans to move away from acting to focus more on making electronic music.

The English actor, who has starred in shows such as The Wire and Luther, has branched out in the last few years, by releasing his own music, including ‘Fudge’ via his own 7Wallace imprint last year. He has also collaborated with the likes of Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, and Australian indie group Lime Cordiale, as well as DJing at events including Coachella back in 2019. 

Now, in an interview with Vanity Fair, the 49-year-old has said electronic music is set to become a priority.

“Some may think, Well, it will be the death of your acting if your music’s shit,” Elba said. “I’ve dealt with the internal struggle of that over the years. So now I’m at peace and I’ve chosen: This is what I’m doing, and I’m going to do it. Some will love it and some will hate it.”

“The thing about making music is it’s a very consuming process,” he added. “It’s very difficult to shoot a movie and then go off into the studio or make a song. It’s like trying to build a soufflé while making a brick wall.” 

Back in 2020, Elba and Inner City teamed up with youth-led organisation, Detroit Will Breathe, for a powerful music video, ‘We All Move Together’.

Revisit an hour-long DJ set by Elba from 2020 below.