Idris Elba has signed an exclusive, worldwide publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG).
In addition 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.
Elba is an accomplished musician, songwriter, producer, actor, director, and performs as a globally-recognized DJ.
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.
“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. It’s also a pleasure to be working with Katy and Garry at Anglo Management with whom we have a long and productive relationship.”
Mike McCormack, UMPG
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.
Elba also 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 (June 29).
“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.”
Katy Ellis, Anglo Management
UMPG UK MD Mike McCormack (pictured with Elba) 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.
“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.”Music Business Worldwide
