While British thespian Idris Elba is perhaps best known for his roles in The Wire and Thor, he’s also an established DJ, producer and recording artist. On ...Mi Mandela he’s teamed up with a wealth of talent (including Maverick Sabre, James Blake and Mr Hudson) to create a sonic celebration of the life and the achievements of the dearly departed anti-apartheid revolutionary.
A project that’s clearly dear to Elba’s heart, it’s the title track which is the opus’ undisputed highlight. Featuring Idris himself on vocals, the song covers his time spent playing the lead role in the movie Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom. “The family showed me love, the people wished me well/ The whole time wondering how Mandela could be played by Stringer Bell,” he offers at one point, as a kids’ choir, horns and percussion back up his smoky tones. Elsewhere, the Motown-isms of ‘You Give Me Love’ and the Mumford and Sons-penned ‘Home’ (both boasting Maverick Sabre on vocals) also impress. But like many compilations, ...Mi Mandela can be a little scattershot. The Audra Mae effort ‘Tree’ is too jumbled and the George The Poet-featuring ‘One’ doesn’t quite fit in either. Interesting. Not essential.
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