‘Africa’s Next Global Wave’, which will highlight the future global giants of Africa. “It’s great because I think audiences around the world are getting to see who’s coming up next,” Elba noted. “It’s been amazing to see some of the giants that we’ve seen over the last four years, but there is a new generation and they’re coming quickly.”
The actor, singer and songwriter, was born in Hackney, London, to a Sierra Leonean father and a Ghanaian mother. Although his goal was to become an actor, he started off by helping his uncle’s wedding DJ business. He also took up several odd jobs, including cold-calling and tyre-fitting, in order to financially support himself. Nevertheless, he later managed to rise above these challenges to become one of the highest-grossing actors in North America. He was appointed as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), as well as the People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive (2018), while he also won the MOBO Inspiration Award in 2014. Apart from starring in award-winning films, his impressive portfolio also includes rapping on Jay-Z’s album, earning writing credits, DJing at international platforms, and even kickboxing.
Although it is not easy to stick to one’s roots when courted by fame and fortune, however, Elba calls himself “a proud African” and has in fact stayed true to his words. He has connected with Africa and its people in every opportunity he got.
He is of the view that now is the time for Africans to show “who we are, what we’re about”.
“I think what we’re seeing right now is Africans controlling the narrative,” he said. “Africans showing people and showing the world who we are, what we’re about, what our culture stands for, what our expression is, and it’s such an exciting time – especially for the young who have the ability to touch the world from their phones. It’s definitely a good time to control the narrative.”
He further noted that although Africa has faced adversities, what the continent intends is to go forward. “Whether it’s by what I do as an actor, as an entertainer, I am always trying to push my narrative forward, I’m always trying to be innovative,” he added. “If anyone that follows me sees that, hopefully it plants a seed for them.”
