Idris Elba is not only a celebrated actor but also a talented DJ and producer.
He was named in the Time 100 list of the Most Influential People in the World in 2016.
Elba began his career in entertainment by starting a DJ company at a young age.
Biography
Early Life
Sir Idrissa Akuna Elba was born on September 6, 1972, in the London Borough of Hackney, England. He is the only child of Winston Elba, a Sierra Leonean, and Eve, a Ghanaian. Raised in Hackney and East Ham, Idris developed an interest in acting during his school years in Canning Town. He began his career in the entertainment industry by helping his uncle with a wedding DJ business, eventually starting his own DJ company. After winning a grant from the Prince's Trust, he joined the National Youth Music Theatre, which marked the beginning of his artistic journey.
Career
Elba's career took off in the 1990s with various roles in British television, including a notable part in the acclaimed series "The Wire" where he portrayed Stringer Bell from 2002 to 2004. His versatility as an artist extends beyond acting; he is also a talented DJ, rapper, and producer. Elba has released several music projects, including albums like "Idris Elba presents mi Mandela" and "Murdah Loves John (The John Luther Character Album)". He has also contributed to various singles and EPs, showcasing his musical prowess.
Personal Life and Activism
Idris Elba has been married twice and has two children. He is currently engaged to Canadian model Sabrina Dhowre. Beyond his artistic endeavors, Elba is known for his activism, particularly in promoting diversity in the entertainment industry. He has collaborated with the UK parliament on initiatives to combat Ebola and has been vocal about the need for greater representation in media. In recognition of his contributions, he has received numerous awards, including being appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2016 and being knighted in 2026 for his services to young people.
Collected from open sources (4) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Discography
Idris Elba at CRSSD Festival Fall 2024: The Palms2024
- 1.Switch4:18
- 2.Shake It4:07
- 3.Smash Up the Place3:16
- 4.Bota Bota5:12
- 5.Boost Up3:40
- 6.Snake Bite2:58
- 7.[unknown]2:28
- 8.Jamming (FISHER rework)5:29
- 9.Sima Agua5:30
- 10.Good Life (Carl Craig remix) (Inner City edit)4:36
- 11.La Trumpeta3:33
- 12.Booo (remix)4:30
- 13.No Heart (remix)2:23
- 14.Lizard King1:27
- 15.Xxplosive (remix)1:14
- 16.Supersonic2:35
- 17.Toma Que Toma2:27
- 18.Tandale1:58
- 19.Gimme That Bounce4:14
- 20.GETAWAY1:04
- 21.Deep Down (Friend Within remix)2:53
- 22.Big Talk3:28
- 23.Sugar Daddy0:51
Idris Elba at Defected Virtual Festival, 20202020
- 1.Roll It2:50
- 2.Hold Me Down3:11
- 3.Kaavan (extended mix)3:42
- 4.Wrong About You5:35
- 5.Blueberry1:47
- 6.Know Yourself4:28
- 7.Beat Control (extended mix)2:41
- 8.No More Looking Back2:10
- 9.Ultra Flava (David Penn extended remix)4:19
- 10.Girl With the Bat4:13
- 11.I Can Handle It (Gianni Bini & Fabio Vela extended Old School mix)4:49
- 12.[unknown] (Idris Elba remix)4:17
- 13.Can’t Stand It (extended mix)3:04
- 14.Virgin Pimp3:34
Idris Elba Presents: The Yardie Mixtape2019
- 1.Postive (skit)0:10
- 2.Teapot3:02
- 3.Yard2:50
- 4.King Fox3:04
- 5.Weh Mi Come From3:27
- 6.Prophecy4:11
- 7.Stand by Me2:43
- 8.Self Employed (skit)0:13
- 9.Stannup3:48
- 10.Duppy5:17
- 11.Jerry Dread (skit)0:20
- 12.Choose the Right Path5:29
- 13.Raggamuffin Girl6:49
- 14.Stand by Me (Dennis Bovell dub)2:54
Murdah Loves John (The John Luther Character Album)2015
- 1.Murdah Loves John3:30
- 2.Alice Loves3:17
- 3.Wide Awake3:14
- 4.Fires2:54
- 5.Sinner Man3:55
- 6.Paradise Circus3:20
- 7.Finish Line3:29
- 8.Bridges3:22
Idris Elba presents mi Mandela2014
- 1.Aero Mathata4:53
- 2.So Many People4:08
- 3.You Give Me Love3:54
- 4.Thank You For Freedom3:22
- 5.One2:49
- 6.mi Mandela2:30
- 7.Tree3:45
- 8.Home5:06
- 9.Nothembi Jam5:13
- 10.Hold On4:23
- 11.Soldiers Don't Back Down4:35
Big Talk2023
Tracklist not collected yet.
Aces2022
Tracklist not collected yet.
It’s Ours2022
Tracklist not collected yet.
Courteney Cox (Extended)2021
Tracklist not collected yet.
No More Looking Back2021
Tracklist not collected yet.
Fudge (Low Steppa Remix)2021
Tracklist not collected yet.
Apple Crumble2021
Tracklist not collected yet.
What’s Not to Like2021
Tracklist not collected yet.
Show all 16
Know Yourself2020
Tracklist not collected yet.
Girl With the Bat2020
Tracklist not collected yet.
Boasty2019
Tracklist not collected yet.
Ballie2019
Tracklist not collected yet.
On Life2019
Tracklist not collected yet.
New Breed2019
Tracklist not collected yet.
Circles2018
Tracklist not collected yet.
Spectacle2016
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Phantom Files (From Cyberpunk 2077)2023
Tracklist not collected yet.
Cordi Elba2022
Tracklist not collected yet.
High Class Problems, Vol. 12010
Tracklist not collected yet.
Zootopia Read-Along Storybook and CD2016
Tracklist not collected yet.
Gallery
Achievements
- Award
- The King's Trust
- Award
- Officer of the Order of the British Empire
- Award
- Knight Bachelor
- Award
- honorary doctorate
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Also known as: Driis, Idrissa Akuna Elba, Me Innit
Sir Idrissa Akuna Elba is an English actor, DJ, rapper, and producer. He has received a Golden Globe Award as well as nominations for three BAFTA Awards and six Emmy Awards. He was named in the Time 100 list of the Most Influential People in the World in 2016. His films have grossed over $9.8 billion at the global box office, making him one of the top 20 highest-grossing actors. In 2025, Elba was named as the UK's ninth-most influential Black person in the 2026 Powerlist.
All links
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
…