(AllHipHop News) Idris Elba’s Golden Globe nominated portrayal of Nelson Mandela in Long Walk to Freedom has inspired the British born actor to create an album celebrating the former South African president. Mi Mandela will feature Mumford & Sons, James Blake, Maverick Sabre, Mr. Hudson, and more.
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“Mandela was into his music, and I wanted to understand what music he liked. So in that journey I sort of discovered the roots of South African music,” says Elba who also performs as the music artist Driis. “South Africa has over 60 different tribes, and each one has a musical expression, each one has a very unique, different sound style.”
Some of that South African musical talent will appear on the project as well. Elba worked closely with South African producer Spoek Mathambo for Mi Mandela as he recorded the album in the country.
“I had no real agenda,” says Elba. “I just wanted to pull these musicians together, express some feelings to them, and then we all go off and make music. That was really the plan.”
Mi Mandela is available for pre-order on iTunes. The album is scheduled for release on November 24.
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Watch Idris Elba announce Mi Mandela below.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBWNYpJivrA]