


Idris Elba and Jody Gerson (Photo Credit: Taylor Hornecker)
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.”
Idris Elba
Pete Simmons
David Gray
Connor Price
7Wallace
Sound International
Coachella
Glastonbury
SXSW London
Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG)
Music Business Deals
Artist-Publisher Loyalty
Global Publishing Expansion
Expanding Artist IP Beyond Music
Artist Management Signings
Music Publishing
Artist Signings
Record Labels
United Kingdom
United States
London, GB
👋 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.
📨 Subscribe to NIF
Get news dropped in your inbox 👇
📨 Subscribe to NIF
Get news dropped in your inbox 👇
Related Articles

Deals & Signings
Oct 30, 2025
1 min read
Patti LaBelle Enters Partnership with Primary Wave Music
The deal includes the singer’s artist royalties across her catalog

Deals & Signings
Oct 29, 2025
1 min read
EU Commission Resumes Review of Universal’s Downtown Deal
The investigation was paused in September

Deals & Signings
Oct 29, 2025
1 min read
Pythagoras Music Fund Acquires Catalogs from Peter Sinfield and Joe Janiak
Includes both writers’ shares and publishing rights

Patti LaBelle Enters Partnership with Primary Wave Music
The deal includes the singer’s artist royalties across her catalog

Rod Yates
Deals
Oct 30, 2025

EU Commission Resumes Review of Universal’s Downtown Deal
The investigation was paused in September

Rod Yates
Deals
Oct 29, 2025

Pythagoras Music Fund Acquires Catalogs from Peter Sinfield and Joe Janiak
Includes both writers’ shares and publishing rights

Rod Yates
Deals
Oct 29, 2025

Rick Parashar Estate Inks Music Rights Deal with MusicBird
The producer was a figurehead of the grunge movement

Rod Yates
Deals
Oct 28, 2025

TikTok USA Sale Expected to be Completed This Week
In a recent interview on Face the Nation, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested the deal is about to close

Harry Levin
Deals
Oct 27, 2025

‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Star EJAE Inks New Deal With WME
The signing comes after EJAE and the other members of Hunter/x announced their first live concert

Harry Levin
Deals
Oct 24, 2025




