Idris Elba launches his own label and reveals first signing

The actor, musician and DJ has set up his own indie imprint

Idris Elba has launched his own label and revealed his first signing.

The star is best known for his acting career, with appearances in the likes of Luther, Beasts Of No Nation and the Thor and Avengers franchises. However, he has also dabbled in music, releasing his debut EP ‘Big Man’ in 2006, and DJing. He has collaborated with the likes of Pharoahe Monch, Mumford & Sons, Mr Hudson, and more.

Now, Elba has set up his own label called 7Wallace Music. His first signing is French-Cameroonian artist James BKS who has produced for the likes of Diddy and Talib Kweli. Speaking to Billboard, Elba said: “James is a rare find. His hip-hop sensibilities transfer to the other music he makes, he’s a nice person to work with and is gonna be a strong artist for the future. It’s a huge move for 7Wallace, a small indie label.”

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James BKS’ debut single ‘Kwlele’ is due to be released on July 13 and will feature his father, Afro-jazz saxophonist Manu Dibango, Mai Lan, and Allan Kingdom. It pays tribute to the Kwele ethnic group native to Gabon, Congo and Cameroon.

In a statement, the musician said: “I want people to get to know my journey. The song is the musical answer to my inner questions. Finally I can be proud of my roots and say this music is fully me.”

Meanwhile, Elba is set to star in the upcoming movie Yardie, alongside Stephen Graham, Naomi Acke, and Aml Ameen. It follows a young Jamaican man who has never fully recovered from the murder of his older brother. The film will hit cinemas in the UK on August 24.

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