25 November 2014
Newsdesk
Idris Elba blogs exclusively on HuffPost UK today on the making of his Mandela-inspired album; a tribute to Nelson Mandela, his father and South Africa.
He writes ‘Before my dad passed away, I had the chance to show him the film and explain that he was the biggest influence in the moulding of the older Mandela. I moulded how Mandela moved on my old man, they have very similar traits.’
‘Tree is the most personal song on this album for me. After spending three weeks in the studio, I knew it was time to write a song that addressed his passing. The perspective is like, "He's gone, man. I wish I could say this to him." And that's how the first lyric came; it was really sort of a love letter to him. It was like, "Someone tell my dad that I'm standing by his tree. Even though we miss him, we're glad that he was set free." He was really ill. My dad was a really proud man. He didn't want to be sick. He didn't want people fussing over him.’
‘I'm hoping that South Africans can relate to this song when it comes to Mandela. Although it's personal for me, a song written to my father, Mandela was like a father to an entire nation.’
‘When I first came to South Africa, I knew that I had to be humble and prove myself because there were plenty of great South African actors who could've played Nelson Mandela. I felt as if lots of people were looking at me as if to say: "You're not Mandela! Come on, let me see what you've got." I had to be humble and prove that I was capable of playing him.’
‘When I arrived in the country, if people would recognised me they'd shout "Stringer Bell!" at me. But now when people recognise me, it's normally "Madiba! Young Madiba!" I've got to say that that's a good feeling!’
‘It seems strange to say it now, but I had a prejudice about South Africa before I got there. I thought I was going to be hated. I thought I was going to hate South Africa, but I ended up falling in love - the people are amazing, the culture is amazing and the music especially is so rich. I wanted to find a way to say "thank you" to everyone in South Africa who made me feel so welcome. So this album represents a beacon for South Africa. I want people to hear it and think, "Wow, South Africa sounds like an interesting place to visit.’
