Universal Music Publishing Group today announce multidisciplinary talent Idris Elba has extended his exclusive, global publishing agreement.
An adept songwriter, producer, musician, actor, director and DJ, Elba broke into the global music scene with 2022 single “Boasty” (with Wiley, Stefflon Don and Sean Paul) - which reached No. 1 on the UK Indie Chart and No. 5 on the R&B Chart, and recently surpassed 180M streams - and “Vroom” with The FaNaTiX, Lil TJay, Davido, Koffee and Moelego for Gran Turismo 7.
Elba has teamed with a number of artists, collaborating with Australian outfit Lime Cordiale for a sun-filled EP, ‘Cordi Elba,’ as well as Defected, Dirtybird and Ultra. He is also the powerhouse behind his own labels, 7Wallace and Sound International - a global house music label and live brand dedicated to showcasing diverse sounds and stories from around the world. Since launching in November 2024, the label has hosted showcases at ADE, SXSW London, Glastonbury, Nairobi and Accra.
Idris Elba said: "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 said: “People might think Idris is an actor who sometimes makes music, but in reality, he’s a songwriter who sometimes acts. His curiosity and commitment to his craft are inspiring and there aren’t many writers I’ve met who can deliver club records, amapiano records and melancholy folk records all in one WhatsApp group.”
David Gray, Managing Director of UMPG UK and Head of Global A&R, added: “Idris is the rare writer and musician that moves easily between genres and can great create songs in every possible way. We are honoured to be working with him to continue to build his already impressive music career.”
A prolific live performer, 2025 saw Idris play b2b with Kaskade at Coachella (having headlined Yuma in previous years), four DJ sets across Glastonbury, and spent the summer taking over Ibiza with shows at Ibiza Rock, Hi, Ushuaïa and Pacha. He’s scheduled to headline the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December, having performed at Silverstone earlier in the year.
Naval Shadi, Manager, said: “Partnering with David, Pete, Lincoln & the team at UMPG has proven to be a great fit. Idris brings bold creative energy, and it takes the right people to truly support that musically. As Idris continues to bridge his work in film and music, especially in the U.S & emerging markets, having experienced and global-minded partners is more important than ever.”
An adept songwriter, producer, musician, actor, director and DJ, Elba broke into the global music scene with 2022 single “Boasty” (with Wiley, Stefflon Don and Sean Paul) - which reached No. 1 on the UK Indie Chart and No. 5 on the R&B Chart, and recently surpassed 180M streams - and “Vroom” with The FaNaTiX, Lil TJay, Davido, Koffee and Moelego for Gran Turismo 7.
Elba has teamed with a number of artists, collaborating with Australian outfit Lime Cordiale for a sun-filled EP, ‘Cordi Elba,’ as well as Defected, Dirtybird and Ultra. He is also the powerhouse behind his own labels, 7Wallace and Sound International - a global house music label and live brand dedicated to showcasing diverse sounds and stories from around the world. Since launching in November 2024, the label has hosted showcases at ADE, SXSW London, Glastonbury, Nairobi and Accra.
Idris Elba said: "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 said: “People might think Idris is an actor who sometimes makes music, but in reality, he’s a songwriter who sometimes acts. His curiosity and commitment to his craft are inspiring and there aren’t many writers I’ve met who can deliver club records, amapiano records and melancholy folk records all in one WhatsApp group.”
David Gray, Managing Director of UMPG UK and Head of Global A&R, added: “Idris is the rare writer and musician that moves easily between genres and can great create songs in every possible way. We are honoured to be working with him to continue to build his already impressive music career.”
A prolific live performer, 2025 saw Idris play b2b with Kaskade at Coachella (having headlined Yuma in previous years), four DJ sets across Glastonbury, and spent the summer taking over Ibiza with shows at Ibiza Rock, Hi, Ushuaïa and Pacha. He’s scheduled to headline the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December, having performed at Silverstone earlier in the year.
Naval Shadi, Manager, said: “Partnering with David, Pete, Lincoln & the team at UMPG has proven to be a great fit. Idris brings bold creative energy, and it takes the right people to truly support that musically. As Idris continues to bridge his work in film and music, especially in the U.S & emerging markets, having experienced and global-minded partners is more important than ever.”