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Tag: IDRIS ELBA

  • Idris Elba to relocate to Africa to support film Industry 

    Idris Elba to relocate to Africa to support film Industry 

    British actor, Idrissa Akuna Elba better known as Idris Elba has disclosed his intention of moving to Africa in the next ten years in a hope to support the African film industry.

    Elba made his intention to boost Africa’s filmmaking industry during a recent appearance in Ghana.

    He also made mention of upcoming projects to establish film studios in Tanzania, Zanzibar and Ghana, which is a part of his vision to strengthen local filmmaking.

    The English actor had earlier hinted that he would be playing the role of Okonkwo, the main character in Chinua Achebe’s book, Things Fall Apart, in an upcoming TV series adaptation.

    This had actually sparked reactions especially from Nigerians. The actor has expressed his dedication to using his influence to elevate the film industry in Africa.

    The actor further said that he will not be settled in one location as this may have him confined to a  particular place or location. “I’m going to live in Accra, I’m going to live in Freetown Sierra Leone’s capital, I’m going to live in Zanzibar. I’m going to try and go where they’re telling stories – that’s really important,” He said.

    He concluded by drawing attention to the need to correct wrong narratives about Africa held by non Africans.

  • Nothing wrong with Hollywood actor, Idris Elba playing Okonkwo in ‘Things Fall Apart’ – Omoni Oboli

    Nothing wrong with Hollywood actor, Idris Elba playing Okonkwo in ‘Things Fall Apart’ – Omoni Oboli

    Nollywood actress, Omoni Oboli, has supported the casting of Hollywood actor, Idris Elba, as the lead actor in the upcoming film adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s classic novel, ‘Things Fall Apart’.

    Things Fall Apart’ a novel which was first published by Nigerian author, Chinua Achebe in 1958, depicts the pre-colonial life in Igboland and the subsequent appearance of European missionaries and colonial forces in the late 19th century.

    It was first brought to life as a movie in 1971 and a mini-series in 1987 with veteran Nigerian actor, Pete Edochie, playing Okonkwo, the novel’s protagonist.

    It was recently reported that the series which is currently in development, will have Idris Elba and Gina Carter serving as executive producers under their 22Summers banner.

    The development sparked several reactions as many Nigerians fear that the British actor may be unable to play the role well because he is not “Igbo”.

    However, in an interview with Channels TV on Saturday, Omoni Oboli said there is nothing wrong with Elba playing the lead role since he is African.

    The filmmaker added that Africans are better suited to tell their own stories.

    “I think there is absolutely nothing wrong with Idris Elba playing ‘Okonkwo’ in Things Fall Apart,” she said.

    “Idris is African. His dad is Sierra Leonean. Yes, he has lived abroad but he is African. So, that is an African telling an African story.

    “So, I do not see anything wrong with that. I am just being honest.”

  • What happened to Stan Eze – Nigerians kick as Idris Elba to play Okonkwo in ‘Things Fall Apart’

    What happened to Stan Eze – Nigerians kick as Idris Elba to play Okonkwo in ‘Things Fall Apart’

    The adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s classic novel “Things Fall Apart” being developed as a TV series by A24, with popular British actor, Idris Elba set to star as Okonkwo, has caused a stir on social media.

    According to an exclusive report by Variety, the official description of “Things Fall Apart” states it is the “story of Okonkwo (Elba), one of literature’s most iconic characters—a fearless African warrior and leader who is resolute about preserving his people and culture. As British colonizers disrupt his world, Okonkwo’s struggle to maintain power and tradition spirals into a heart-wrenching confrontation. His fierce resolve, a fatal flaw in the face of unstoppable change, makes him an unforgettable character, embodying the tension between strength, vulnerability and adaptability.”

    The report also added that Elba will not only executively produce the series but may likely take on the main character.

    The development has sparked reactions as many Nigerians fear that the British actor may be unable to play the role well because he is not “Igbo”. Critics also added that there are competent Nollywood actors from the south-eastern extraction, such as Stan Eze, who can play the role better.

    Others have called movie-makers from the East, encouraging them to take the lead in telling the Indigenous stories.

    Tolu Tomato wrote: “Idris Elba as Okonkwo when Stan Nze is well and alive. Come on now.”

    Adaeze Ifeakandu wrote: “Lmao! Until Nigerians start bringing out money to tell their stories. They can cast Leonardo Di caprio as Okonkwo if they so desire.”

    Oats not cornflakes pls wrote: “Chinua would be so disappointed.”

    Sancho’s cousin wrote: “There is Stan Eze, Uzor, Zubby Micheals to name a few.”

    Robinson Guerra wrote: “Are we playing Hollywood bingo now? Idris Elba might be great, but sometimes local talent like Stan Nze is what truly honours the role and story.”

    The movie will be a sequel to the 1987 miniseries featuring Pete Edochie. An adaptation that is well-regarded for its faithful representation of the novel.

  • Why I stopped playing the role of James Bond – Idris Elba

    Why I stopped playing the role of James Bond – Idris Elba

    Popular  British actor, Idris Elba, has stated reasons why he stopped playing the lead character in the eponymous British fictional franchise, James Bond.

    According to Elba, it was very interesting playing James Bond “until it became about racism.”

    The 50-year-old thespian disclosed this while featuring as a guest on the latest episode of the Smartless podcast co-hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Haves and Will Arnett.

    He added that the rumours flying about him while playing the role were very exciting for him.

    Elba said, “The truth is, I was super complemented for a long time about this [playing the James Bond role]. I was like, ‘This is crazy! James Bond?’

    “We are all actors and we understand that role. It’s one of those coveted roles. Being asked to be James Bond was like, ‘Okay, you’ve sort of reached the pinnacle.’ That is one of those things the whole world has a vote in.

    “It was a huge compliment that every corner of the world, except for some corners, which we will not talk about, were really happy about the idea that I could be considered. Those that weren’t happy about the idea made the whole thing disgusting because it became about race.”

  • Princess Shyngle reveals her regret after meeting Idris Elba

    Princess Shyngle reveals her regret after meeting Idris Elba

    Actress Princess Shyngle has revealed her regret after meeting with Hollywood actor, Idris Elba.

    The curvy Gambian actress shared a photo she took with Idris, who is married.

    In the caption, she called him her crush and said his arm on her leg, as seen in the photo, was “so comfortable”.

    She adds that what she regrets following the meeting is that she didn’t grab him with her two arms and refuse to let him go.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Princess Shyngle (@princesshyngle)

  • #EndSARS: Idris Elba calls on African leaders to intervene in Nigeria

    #EndSARS: Idris Elba calls on African leaders to intervene in Nigeria

    Idris Elba, British movie star, has urged leaders of other African countries to interfere in the current crisis in Nigeria.

     

    The award-winning actor took to his Instagram page on Wednesday to share a video wherein he condemned the shootings of the #EndSARS protesters in Lagos.

     

    Elba also urged the leaders of the African Union (AU) and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) not to ignore the democide currently happening in Nigeria.

     

    “Calling on Africans to unite in protest against what is happening on Nigerian soil. The leadership of other African nations need to make their voices heard for the protesters of SARS,” he wrote.

     

    “From one leader to another, show them some perspective on the way they are handling the youth, it is wrong and should be met with heavy criticism and positioning.

     

    “Africa should not turn its back on this situation, the world leadership should not turn its back on this situation. Use your power and reach to influence the Nigerian government to govern this situation better and not spill blood.”

     

  • [Video] British actor, Idris Elba update world on his coronavirus infection

    [Video] British actor, Idris Elba update world on his coronavirus infection

    Idris Elba 24 hours after he revealed his shocking coronavirus status, has posted a video update about his condition.

    The British actor said he is not exhibiting any symptoms, but he is worried that because he has an underlying asthma condition, the virus can present a great danger to his health.

    He revealed that his wife Sabrina has also taken the coronavirus test and awaiting the result.

    Idris responded to criticisms that he allowed his wife, Sabrina to move too close to him, while recording Monday’s video.

    ‘Just for clarification, Sabrina wanted to be by my side, as much as we talked about her not coming to where I am, she did, and wanted to and I love her even more for it and I would do the same for her.

    ‘I see a lot of people saying Sabrina shouldn’t be there…in this time…love is all you can get. Who am I gonna turn down my wife’s support? As much as I wanted to keep her safe, we presumed if I had it there was a likelihood she’d have it too. ‘Hope you guys can understand that.’

    Idris also advised black people not to believe the dumb theory that they cannot catch the coronavirus.

  • BREAKING: Idris Elba test positive for coronavirus [Watch]

    BREAKING: Idris Elba test positive for coronavirus [Watch]

    Actor Idris Elba said he has tested positive for coronavirus(COVID-19).

    Elba, 47, said he received his test results Monday morning.
    So far, the “Luther” star said he feels “OK” and is showing no symptoms, according a video posted to Twitter.

    Elba said he had been isolated since finding out last Friday that he had been exposed to someone who tested the positive.

    See Tweet:

  • Davido delivers surprise performance at Idris Elba’s wedding

    Davido delivers surprise performance at Idris Elba’s wedding

    Nigerian music superstar, Davido made a surprise and thrilling performance at Hollywood actor, Idris Elba’s secret wedding to Sabrina Dhowre.

    The wedding took place in Morroco with Elba and Sabrina exchanging vows and partying with close friends in a three-day celebration that begun on Friday.

    They exchanged their wedding vows at the Ksar Char Bagh hotel in Marrakesh as reported by British Vogue who broke the news and covered the event.

    They posted photos from the secret wedding on their Instagram page and captioned it, “Congratulations to newly-weds #IdrisElba and #SabrinaDhowre who exchanged vows in Morocco on April 26 2019. Celebrations were spread over three days in Marrakech.”

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Davido’s performance was arranged by Elba to surprise his wife, Sabrina who loves the songs of the Nigerian superstar.

    Industry mogul, Efe Ogbeni of Stealth Management revealed this in an Instagram post @efe_one. He wrote, “@idriselba Efe l want kid bro @davidoofficial to come surprise my wife, this CANNOT leak, and we can’t have anyone know.

    “My goodness, @missamadi myself @ronawigs2.0 @oronde had to do major operation. Missing luggages, wrong suits, 16 hour flights, PJ.

    “OBO did his thing, and boy was @sabrinadhowre surprised; powered by @stealthmgmt “always for fam, we take that seriously.”

    This iconic performance comes on the heels of Davido’s latest music collaborations with American rapper, Russ on ‘All I Want’; and Sean Kingston and Tory Lanez on ‘Peace of Mind’.

    NAN reports that the singer is also billed to appear on popular American music show, ‘Wild n Out’ hosted by Nick Cannon on May 14 in Atlanta.

  • Idris Elba marries Sabrina Dhowre in secret three-day Morocco wedding

    Idris Elba marries Sabrina Dhowre in secret three-day Morocco wedding

    46-year-old actor, IDRIS Elba has married his fiancee, Sabrina Dhowre.

    Elba tied the knot with the stunning 29-year-old in Morocco on Friday.

    Pictures of the duo’s wedding reveal Idris wearing a custom suit from Savile Row tailor Ozwald Boateng.

    His bride wows in a classic white, off-the-shoulder, A-line gown custom-made by Vera Wang.

    The couple invited the fashion magazine into their ceremony and they revealed that the celebrations were spread over three days in Marrakech.

    Sabrina enjoyed a Bachelorette getaway with her girls in Utah’s Amangiri resort.

    The 46-year-old actor popped the question to the model last February

    Back in March Sabrina celebrated her forthcoming marriage to the Luther star with nine of her close pals in their own apartment in the luxurious spot, where rooms start at £1,494 per night.

    Alongside two pictures of the bride in a white robe and her girls in matching personalised rose-coloured satin dressing gowns with “Bride’s Squad” emblazoned on the back of them.

    Sabrina wrote on Instagram: “Had the most amazing weekend with the most amazing people.

    “I love you all so much #idrina #archyourback missing @jdebruyne @gurppanesar (sic)”

    She also posted a boomerang of them dancing as they crouched by the pool and captioned it with the bride emoji.