Idris Elba and Jody Gerson (Photo Credit: Taylor Hornecker)

1 min read

Idris Elba Renews Deal With Universal Music Publishing Group

The award-winning actor has been actively releasing music since 2019

Movie and TV star Idris Elba has extended his exclusive global publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG).

Elba in music:

  • Elba’s single “Boasty” topped the UK Indie Chart and hit No. 5 on the R&B Chart.

  • He has collaborated with Vybz Kartel, Skepta, Toddla T, and more.

  • He wrote original music for the prominent video game, Cyberpunk 2077.

  • Elba also runs his own labels, 7Wallace and Sound International.

  • He’s performed all over the world, including at Coachella, Glastonbury, and SXSW London.

  • His newest release is “More Mentors,” a collaboration with fellow actor and musician Connor Price.

What they said:

  • Elba: “Excited to be working with David Gray, Pete Simmons, Lincoln Elias, and the team at UMPG. Writing brings me real joy — and having great people around only elevates the process.”

  • UMPG UK Head of A&R Pete Simmons: “People might think Idris is an actor who sometimes makes music, but in reality, he’s a songwriter who sometimes acts.”

  • David Gray, Managing Director of UMPG UK and Head of Global A&R: “Idris is the rare writer and musician that moves easily between genres and can create great songs in every possible way.”

Movie and TV star Idris Elba has extended his exclusive global publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG).

Elba in music:

  • Elba’s single “Boasty” topped the UK Indie Chart and hit No. 5 on the R&B Chart.

  • He has collaborated with Vybz Kartel, Skepta, Toddla T, and more.

  • He wrote original music for the prominent video game, Cyberpunk 2077.

  • Elba also runs his own labels, 7Wallace and Sound International.

  • He’s performed all over the world, including at Coachella, Glastonbury, and SXSW London.

  • His newest release is “More Mentors,” a collaboration with fellow actor and musician Connor Price.

What they said:

  • Elba: “Excited to be working with David Gray, Pete Simmons, Lincoln Elias, and the team at UMPG. Writing brings me real joy — and having great people around only elevates the process.”

  • UMPG UK Head of A&R Pete Simmons: “People might think Idris is an actor who sometimes makes music, but in reality, he’s a songwriter who sometimes acts.”

  • David Gray, Managing Director of UMPG UK and Head of Global A&R: “Idris is the rare writer and musician that moves easily between genres and can create great songs in every possible way.”

Movie and TV star Idris Elba has extended his exclusive global publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG).

Elba in music:

  • Elba’s single “Boasty” topped the UK Indie Chart and hit No. 5 on the R&B Chart.

  • He has collaborated with Vybz Kartel, Skepta, Toddla T, and more.

  • He wrote original music for the prominent video game, Cyberpunk 2077.

  • Elba also runs his own labels, 7Wallace and Sound International.

  • He’s performed all over the world, including at Coachella, Glastonbury, and SXSW London.

  • His newest release is “More Mentors,” a collaboration with fellow actor and musician Connor Price.

What they said:

  • Elba: “Excited to be working with David Gray, Pete Simmons, Lincoln Elias, and the team at UMPG. Writing brings me real joy — and having great people around only elevates the process.”

  • UMPG UK Head of A&R Pete Simmons: “People might think Idris is an actor who sometimes makes music, but in reality, he’s a songwriter who sometimes acts.”

  • David Gray, Managing Director of UMPG UK and Head of Global A&R: “Idris is the rare writer and musician that moves easily between genres and can create great songs in every possible way.”

👋 Disclosures & Transparency Block

- This article was written with information sourced from Music Business Worldwide.

- We covered it because UMPG is a subsidiary of UMG, one of the three major labels.

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