LONDON – June 26, 2019 -- Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), a leading global publishing company, today announced that multitalented artist Idris Elba has been signed to an exclusive, worldwide publishing agreement.
A true creative master, Elba is an accomplished musician, songwriter, producer, actor, director, and performs as a globally-recognized DJ. Now, Elba is taking his musical talents to new heights and rising to prominence as a creator. He cowrote, rapped and sang first single, ‘Boasty,’ created with Wiley, Stefflon Don and Sean Paul. Since release, the track has amassed 22 million YouTube views, reaching No.1 on UK Indie Charts and No. 5 on R&B Charts. Elba’s other big songs include his acclaimed mix of ‘Circles’ by Natalie Wood X N:Fostell; a remix of Shy’s ‘Chocolate’; and, most recently, new single ‘Ballie’, a new collaboration with Kah-Lo that was unveiled at Coachella. In addition, Elba has new collaborations with the likes of Kranium, hip hop legend Slick Rick, Tiggs Da Author and a forthcoming single ‘On Life’ cowritten with Poo Bear which has also been remixed by David Guetta’s alter ego Jack Back.
Additional to the deal, UMPG will sub-publish artists signed to Elba’s record label, 7Wallace. Created in 2015 and based in London, 7Wallace’s recently releases include James BKS ‘Kwele’, Elba’s ‘Badman’ and the 7Wallace Sampler, among others.
On making the announcement, UMPG UK MD Mike McCormack said: “Like countless other folks, I’ve been a fan of Idris through his acting roles for years with “The Wire”, “Luther” and “Beasts of No Nation,” among others, so when I first heard and loved ‘Boasty’ a few months ago and found that Idris had remixed and rewritten the song, it was my top priority to sign him to UMPG.”
“Now ‘Boasty’ has become one of the hits of the year, and I’ve also gotten to experience Idris’ incredible and relentless work ethic, his boundless charm, and that passion with dedication to succeed as much in music as he has with his acting career. Idris’ musical/DJ aspirations are so big, it’s a great fit for our global company as we can support his vision and ambition worldwide,” McCormack added. “It’s also a pleasure to be working with Katy and Garry at Anglo Management with whom we have a long and productive relationship.”
Elba’s manager, Katy Ellis of Anglo Management, said: “Teaming up with Mike McCormack and his team was an easy decision. Idris’ songwriting ambition and drive knows no boundaries and requires a strong and openminded team that can help us deliver his ambition, and Mike and his team get Idris musically. Really important is the strength of the relationship in the US where Idris is marrying his film and music, and we need the experience of a team that is used to working with international acts across film and music at the highest level.”
Elba performs at some of the biggest venue stages across the globe. Highlight appearances include Coachella, Sound in LA and Output in New York, various UK stages including Ministry of Sound, Creamfields, Elrow and a residency this summer hosting the Club Room at Hi Ibiza in collaboration with David Guetta. Notably, Elba will perform at Glastonbury on the Glade Stage on Saturday night this year.
A true creative master, Elba is an accomplished musician, songwriter, producer, actor, director, and performs as a globally-recognized DJ. Now, Elba is taking his musical talents to new heights and rising to prominence as a creator. He cowrote, rapped and sang first single, ‘Boasty,’ created with Wiley, Stefflon Don and Sean Paul. Since release, the track has amassed 22 million YouTube views, reaching No.1 on UK Indie Charts and No. 5 on R&B Charts. Elba’s other big songs include his acclaimed mix of ‘Circles’ by Natalie Wood X N:Fostell; a remix of Shy’s ‘Chocolate’; and, most recently, new single ‘Ballie’, a new collaboration with Kah-Lo that was unveiled at Coachella. In addition, Elba has new collaborations with the likes of Kranium, hip hop legend Slick Rick, Tiggs Da Author and a forthcoming single ‘On Life’ cowritten with Poo Bear which has also been remixed by David Guetta’s alter ego Jack Back.
Additional to the deal, UMPG will sub-publish artists signed to Elba’s record label, 7Wallace. Created in 2015 and based in London, 7Wallace’s recently releases include James BKS ‘Kwele’, Elba’s ‘Badman’ and the 7Wallace Sampler, among others.
On making the announcement, UMPG UK MD Mike McCormack said: “Like countless other folks, I’ve been a fan of Idris through his acting roles for years with “The Wire”, “Luther” and “Beasts of No Nation,” among others, so when I first heard and loved ‘Boasty’ a few months ago and found that Idris had remixed and rewritten the song, it was my top priority to sign him to UMPG.”
“Now ‘Boasty’ has become one of the hits of the year, and I’ve also gotten to experience Idris’ incredible and relentless work ethic, his boundless charm, and that passion with dedication to succeed as much in music as he has with his acting career. Idris’ musical/DJ aspirations are so big, it’s a great fit for our global company as we can support his vision and ambition worldwide,” McCormack added. “It’s also a pleasure to be working with Katy and Garry at Anglo Management with whom we have a long and productive relationship.”
Elba’s manager, Katy Ellis of Anglo Management, said: “Teaming up with Mike McCormack and his team was an easy decision. Idris’ songwriting ambition and drive knows no boundaries and requires a strong and openminded team that can help us deliver his ambition, and Mike and his team get Idris musically. Really important is the strength of the relationship in the US where Idris is marrying his film and music, and we need the experience of a team that is used to working with international acts across film and music at the highest level.”
Elba performs at some of the biggest venue stages across the globe. Highlight appearances include Coachella, Sound in LA and Output in New York, various UK stages including Ministry of Sound, Creamfields, Elrow and a residency this summer hosting the Club Room at Hi Ibiza in collaboration with David Guetta. Notably, Elba will perform at Glastonbury on the Glade Stage on Saturday night this year.