Latest news with #Elba
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Idris Elba on His Dyslexia, His African Cinema Vision and Doing 'a Little Bit of Everything'
Idris Elba tackled the power of imagination during a conversation at the inaugural SXSW London on Wednesday, which took place at Truman Brewery in the British capital's Shoreditch neighborhood. The actor's experience with dyslexia, his development work in Africa and his vision to build out the theatrical circuit on the continent were among the various topics he touched on during a wide-ranging discussion, which was dubbed 'Creativity as Capital for Change.' More from The Hollywood Reporter 'Maxton Hall' Season 2 to Premiere in November, First Teaser Revealed ABBA's Björn Ulvaeus on Writing a Musical Assisted by AI and Those Kiss Avatars: SXSW London Banijay Has No Immediate Plans to Buy ITV Studios as CEO Talks Consolidation at SXSW London The multi-hyphenate — actor, musician, filmmaker, entrepreneur, philanthropist — was interviewed by British radio broadcaster and TV show host Clara Amfo in a session that easily drew the largest crowd of SXSW London so far, with a line snaking around the block. Joining the star on stage were several of his collaborators, including director Stefan Schwartz (Luther). A preview of the Elba appearance on the SXSW London website promised that the star would 'explore how creative influence can challenge injustice and unlock new economic models.' Elba shared that he, too, knows what it's like to despair when watching the news these days. 'You know, I think all of us have gone through a stage. We wake up, turn on the news, and it's despair after despair. It's bad news after bad news,' he said. 'And what's driving me is the fact that I get to wake up and do something new every day. It's driving me that I get to do better than yesterday.' He then explained the title of the session by taking a deeper look at the phrase 'money makes the world go round.' 'That's, to some degree, very true,' he declared. 'But in my head, it's my imagination that makes the world go round. So, trying to get young people to understand that their capital, their wealth, their fortune, is within themselves, within that creative tool set, and being able to articulate themselves.' He then turned his attention to the next generation of creators by encouraging them to appreciate the power of their own creativity. 'Part of the reason why I do a little bit of everything, and annoy everyone, is because I just feel it's better that you illustrate to young people to just try it, just go through it.' He concluded: 'Young people don't realize how expensive their imaginations are, how valuable their imaginations are when they share ideas and they create stuff.' In an emotional moment, Elba opened up about his dyslexia. 'I knew that I find reading scripts very difficult, actually absorbing the words,' he shared. 'I didn't know at the time that I am dyslexic. It became a bit of a hindrance for me. You're reading a lot of different scripts at the same time, especially through series, we're reading revisions all the time. And so Stefan and I bonded over this idea that he had: what if we could do it in a different way and help, in an inclusive way, people with dyslexia [and any sort of neurodiversity] to absorb scripts.' So the two and others developed over the past several years the app Taking Scripts, which a description says allows users to 'hear scripts with realistic voices wherever you are, with only the parts you need — no headers or unwanted extras.' Elsewhere, Elba founded The Akuna Group to drive growth opportunities in Africa with a focus on such sectors as the creative industries, agriculture and infrastructure, 'aiming to empower Africa's growth through innovation and impact.' The Akuna Wallet in Ghana — which, according to the website, 'empowers Ghanaian creators to get paid directly from anyone, anywhere' — is one key service that he said he would like to roll out more widely around the continent and world over time. And Elba shared a vision for making the traditional cinema experience more widely available in Africa. 'I want to build the African Odeon,' he said. 'There's a crazy number across the entire continent: [there's] less than about 3,000 cinemas, actual cinemas that you and I have grown up with. I would love to be able to tackle some of that, because I believe that the cinema experience that we all have gone through should be experienced by a new generation.' Concluded Elba: 'How do I do that? I guess by building a model of data that shows that, actually, you do want to watch films and enjoy the experience of the theater.' Earlier on Wednesday, SXSW London sessions featured ABBA's Björn Ulvaeus and Letitia Wright, among others. SXSW London runs through June 7. Penske Media, the parent company of The Hollywood Reporter, is the majority stakeholder of SXSW. Best of The Hollywood Reporter 13 of Tom Cruise's Most Jaw-Dropping Stunts Hollywood Stars Who Are One Award Away From an EGOT 'The Goonies' Cast, Then and Now
Forbes
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
Feast On Wine, Food And Tranquility On Sardinia's Sant'Antioco Island
Cala Sapone, Sant'Antioco, Sardinia, Italy getty The Italian Island of Sardinia in the Mediterranean Sea includes Sant'Antioco, a southern sub-island attached via a constructed isthmus. This isle is 42 square miles (109 square kilometers) in area, about twice the size of New York's Manhattan Island or the same size as the city of Florence. The population is about 11,000—half of one percent of that of Manhattan and 3% of that in Florence. Sant'Antioco is Italy's fourth largest island (after Sardinia, Sicily and Elba) and is generally unvarnished, uncrowded, tranquil and embedded with layers of maritime history, crisscrossing cultural influences, nuanced cuisine and darkly rich wines made from the Carignan grape. The island's main city is also named Sant'Antioco. It was founded as a port by Phoenicians between 780 and 770 BCE, who named it Sulcis, or Sulky. They constructed main roads straight up hillsides and side roads parallel to the sea. Emperor Hadrian of Rome exiled a Mauritanian African doctor named Antiochus to this island—irked by his treason of spreading Christianity. This banished teacher and preacher died on Sant'Antioco in 127 A.D. but was eventually canonized as a saint (and provided the island a new name). The city's wide waterfront promenade, the lungomare, includes segments named Cristoforo Colombo and Caduti Nassiriya. While walking there during a somnolent weekday morning I saw more chatting retirees and fishermen there than joggers. Seagulls cruise over fishing boats, and there are delicious water front views of distant mainland mountains. The city is mildly inclined. From this promenade I walked inland and uphill toward the archaeological museum, curious to learn how Phoenicians, Punics, Roman, Vandals, Byzantines and medieval kingdoms once ruled this isle. Seagulls off the coast of Sant'Antioco, Sardinia, Italy getty I passed buildings painted orange, pink, yellow and tangerine as well as a man in wellington boots stepping into his turquoise colored Fiat Panda, perhaps en route to harvest crops. I paced over red, brown, ash and mauve colored street stones and along high, narrow sidewalks of Via Dante Alighieri to arrive at Piazza di Chiesa. Here the handsome yellow and gray Palazzo del Capitolo building is close to Jana's Café, where tank topped and tattooed visitors sipped rather than chugged espressos. A street placard explained how the fifth century basilica there was built on the tomb of Antiochus, and how the Festival of Saint Antioco has reveled annually for 665 years. Neat street signs pointed to ample historical locales within an easy amble—Roman Fountain, Su Pisu Fort, Necropolis and Hypogeum Village. The square also includes small stores that sell frutta e verdura (fruit and veg), pizza and tobacco, while Café del Borgo serves both wine and cappuccino. Although portions of urban Sant'Antioco can appear raw and ramshackle, this is part of the attraction of this low key, low-crime, visitor friendly city where locals are generous in sharing their time. I continued past balconies and window planters and fluttering red pendants, remnants from the city's last festival. Open spaces and gardens were crammed with cane, cacti, fig trees and pigeon coos. The town also includes several three wheeled Piaggio pickup trucks—not big enough to haul a refrigerator but svelte enough to navigate through narrow alleys. The well organized, almost two-decade old archaeological museum faces a serene view of the Mediterranean Sea. Sections relate history (in both Italian and English) of waves of immigration to the island, of the complexity of local burial chambers and of the Nuragi people who—between 1600 and 800 BCE— built conical stone towers and communal burial chambers all over Sardinia. I next returned to the heart of Sant'Antioco city where waves pummeled boats, many named after people (Roberta & Michael; Jennifer II; Erico Padre) —perhaps an island emphasis more focused on persons than possessions. One fisherman stood in his boat selling fresh catches. Most visitors that day appeared to be Italian, but there was also a German bicyclist group and young Nordic couples in beige and khaki apparel strutting below swaying pine and palm trees. Near the waterfront I sat on a sunlit terrace of Cooperativa Pescatori I Due Fratelli (two brothers' fishing cooperative) and ordered crunchy, tasty fried frittura del golfo (mixed fried local fish) with a local Rubiu artisan beer followed by a glass of racy Vermentino white wine. Mixed fried fish served in Sant'Antioco, Sardinia, Italy Tom Mullen Cream and bronze colored Vespas purred past thin diners who gesticulated with energy and verve, and suddenly a sense of easiness covered me like mist—a souvenir from this tranquil city of rakish roads and residents who do not rush. Later while shopping, I spoke with an Asian store attendant who described city life as 'piano, piano,' or, slowly and quietly. Staff at the local tourist office of Visit Sant'Antioco are professional and helpful and shared maps and printed information. A young woman named Chiara Elias told how the city includes Byssus Museum, dedicated to fabrics made from byssus sea silk, created by a shellfish that can grow up to five feet in size. She also pointed to other city museums on a map, including MUMA —the Museum of Sea and Shipwrights, which is also a hostel. There are several annual festivals in town, including Sa Festa Mamma—the great feast—that celebrates Saint Antiochus with processional floats and folk music and slow baked, decorated bread called su coccòi de su santu. Local food is generally fresh and city restaurants include Da Zia Pinuccia, a 'home restaurant' where the owners cook dishes adjacent to diners, then eat with them. I sat with others at a sumptuous linen table next to kitchen burners and an open fire grill and feasted on charcuterie, homemade pasta, grilled pig and a decadent range of desserts that included ricotta stuffed formagelle pastries and amaretti biscuits. 'Home restaurant' dining at Da Zia Pinuccia, Sant'Antioco, Sardinia, Italy Tom Mullen In June, Altantic bluefin tuna (called 'red tuna' because of the color of their flesh) are caught off the coast of Sant'Antioco. Prized for flavor, they pair well with red Carignan wine—itself sublime. To learn more about this wine I drove together with fifth generation Sant'Antioco winemaker Erica Verona and her father Stefano for twenty minutes to the island's second main town of Calasetta in the northwest. The vehicle passed lemon trees, towering cacti, howling dogs, olive groves and Indian figs as well as gardens planted with eggplants and fava beans. We parked in town and paced up Via Umberto, which in the past was a main street. Residents sometimes still lay out a long communal dinner table along this road, and require all neighborhood attendees to dress in white. As we walked, Erica spoke of her family. Erica's great grandfather was one of a group of 15 that formed a wine cooperative in Sant'Antioco in 1932, the first in Sardinia. Their family now owns 10 acres (four hectares) of land and produce mostly wine from Carignan grapes, together with vintages made from Monica and Vermentino grapes. Their juice is bottled at a local cooperative (the island has two), which is typical for local winemakers to save on capital investment costs. Winemakers Roboamo Stefano Verona and daughter Erica in Calasetta, Sant'Antioco, Sardinia, Italy Tom Mullen We left the city and drove to a seaside cliff with a Mediterranean view. Erica studied law and works in Cagliari city on Sardinia's mainland, an hour away by car. She assists her family with producing wine—but her need to juggle both job and winemaking is a challenge. Her dream is to construct a family winery and tasting room, and she has selected a prime location with an ocean and cliff view (their wine label is La Scogliera, which means 'the cliff'). Another local Sant'Antioco winemaker is Roberto Matzeu of Azienda Agricola Piede Franco. Roberto, now in his mid-forties, studied environmental engineering. After winning a competition as one of the best new winemakers in Italy, he decided in 2020 to dedicate himself full time to producing wine. He and his father began with less than an acre and now rent 12 acres (five hectares) of vines. Roberto appreciates distinct local conditions at their vineyards.' 'The microclimate here is unique. The sandy soil moves due to wind, like a sand dune. Because the north wind has salt, salinity is high.' Winemaker Roberto Matzeu of Piede Franco at his vines on Sant'Antioco, Sardinia, Italy Tom Mullen The lives of these two winemakers—lawyer and engineer—epitomize tensions faced by grape growers. Both studied so they could secure alternate incomes than provided by viticulture; both now clamor to return to family vines to derive full time income. Fortunately, the quality of Sant'Antioco Carignan wines can be excellent. Beginning in 1325, the Aragonese people, based partially in what is today's Catalonia in northeastern Spain, began occupying Sardinia. They likely introduced the grape Carignan, which thrives in hot, dry climates with soils rich in minerals. Until a few decades ago, Carignan grapes were grown in Italy, France, Spain and Algeria to produce high yield, low quality juice with high acidity and astringent tannins. This was often blended with wine from other grapes. In the 1980's wine cooperatives, such as Santadi, began reducing yields and improving quality. Many Sant'Antioco wines are today classified under the Carignano del Sulcis DOC, and the overall reputation for Sant'Antioco's Carignan has soared. These wines can stand alone as beauties, with dark complex flavors that resemble a Sangiovese, chocolate notes similar to those from a Syrah and the slight herbaceousness of a Cabernet Franc. After the European Community decided to reduce low quality, high yield wine production in the 1980's, the number of grapevines diminished from 8.5 square miles in area (2,200 hectares) to today's 500 acres (200 hectares) on Sant'Antioco. Producers are now focused on lower yields and higher quality. Pariglia equestrian competition of Sant Antioco, Sardinia, Italy getty The island's vines are hardy, and many of the vines are old. Intriguingly, the sandy soils of Sant'Antioco prevented the spread of the phylloxera disease in the mid 19th centuryl which decimated grapevines worldwide. Today, most wines produced from Carignan on the island remain 'ungrafted' and do not need to be attached to any separate disease resistance rootstock, like most other grapevines on earth. Erica shared how she wants more visitors to sample the wines of Sant'Antioco. 'People don't know this island. They know Costa Smeralda in north, Here we have undiscovered beaches. There are buildings painted white and blue, like Greece but without the party vibe. Visitors like to walk around and take a towel to the beach. Living near the sea is almost like being on vacation all the time. It's a state of mind. People here know how to live, and not just during vacation. We should also try to make Sant'Antioco an enjoyable destination for wine.' [A companion article titled Sardinian Wines—Sculpted By Wind, Salt, Soil And Scrub, is here.] The following are tasting notes for various Sant'Antioco wines made from the Carignan grape. Tenuta Agus Binuforti. Rosato. 2022. 90+ points. Owned by Daniela Agus and her husband Daniele Garau. From the hot 2022 vintage. Dark cherry colored rosé. Aromas of wet limestone, golden syrup and light red fruit. Flavors include red cherries. A syrupy, easy to drink barbecue wine to pair with teriyaki shish kebab skewers. Lacking an acidic edge but gastronomic. Tenuta La Scogliera. Rüzò. Rosé. 2024. 90-91 points Light salmon/cherry color in this 12% alcohol rosé from a producer's name which means 'the cliff' because of the view from their vines. Aromas of mandarins, red cherries and candy cane. Minerality, slight salinity and light flavors with a voluptuous bright cherry and slight caramel finish. Pair with salmon or cod. Tenuta La Sabbiosa. DOC Carignano del Sulcis. 2019. 92+ points. First organically certified wine from Sant'Antioco. Fresh, fruit forward aromas of charcoal and slight caramel as well as maple syrup and maquis scrub. Somewhat complex with pronounced flavors of rich red fruit such as raspberries, as well as bacon and sage. Firm tannic backbone. Pair with charcuterie and grape leaf wrapped dolma. Winemaker Massimo Pusceddu of Tenuta la Sabbiosa, Sant'Antioco, Sardinia, Italy Tom Mullen Azienda Agricola Piede Franco. Bellesa Riserva. DOC Carignano del Sulcis. 2020. 91-92 points. Aged in French oak for one year with battonage stirring of lees every 25 days. Balanced, pleasant, generous aromas of fruit, maquis scrub and red plums. Semi complex wine includes an excellent mid palate with the heft of a Sangiovese and flavors that include red cherries, mocha and salty black Dutch dorp licorice. Tenuta La Sabbiosa. Superiore. DOC Carignano del Sulcis. 2019. 91-92 points. Hefty aromas of red plums, maraschino cherries and eucalyptus. Linear in the mouth with soft tannins, bright acidity, and a crunchy mid palate. Easy drinking and well balanced with a long finish. Pair with lentils and beef. Tenuta La Scogliera. Raije. DOC Carignano del Sulcis. 2021. 93-94 points. Perfumed, rich and layered aromas include florals, brownies, Amarone, lava cake and black cherries. Flavors akin to a right bank Bordeaux wine that is complex and layered with slight flavors of molasses and bacon and a hint of mint on the finish. Delicious dark layers in this gastronomic wine that was aged in steel with frequent battonage stirring. Azienda Agricola Eleonora Piga. Mudo. DOC Carignano del Sulcis. 2021. 92+ points. Aromas of orange peels, eucalyptus and maquis scrub as well as a light perfume of violets and lavender. Rich and angular yet also rounded, with a classic Carignan tannic sheen. Winemaker Eleonora Piga of Mudo wines, Sant'Antioco, Sardinia, Italy Tom Mullen Carpante. DOC Carignano del Sulcis. 2021. 92+ points. Rich aromas of chocolate, gorse and sage. A meaty and delicious set of flavors that include dark brownies, as well as Amarone and sultanas on the finish. Balanced with suave tannins. A gastronomic wine. Azienda Agricola Piede Franco. Bellesa Riserva. DOC Carignano del Sulcis. 2021. 93-94 points. Rich aromas of Amarone, maquis scrub, black licorice and eucalyptus as well as wild fennel. A dark star that is balanced and elegant, rich and layered with chocolate flavors like that of a Baboso Negro wine from the Canary Islands, as well as rich bacon/minestrone hues; reminiscent of a Syrah from northern Rhone. Bentesali. DOC Carignano del Sulcis. 2021. 92 points. Linear aromas of dark chocolate and flavors that include wild fennel and stroganoff. Complex and enticing. Xabarra. DOC Carignano del Sulcis. 2022. 93-94 points. Hefty aromas of brownies, red plums, Amarone and sultanas. Suave tannins in a layered mid palate that includes flavors of figs and red plums. Crisp acidity. Tenuta Agus – Binuforti. DOC Carignano del Sulcis. 2022. 93+ points. Dark and hefty aromas of Amarone, figs and lava cake. Rich, layered and balanced. Winemaker Daniela Agus of Tenuta Agus - Binuforti, Sant'Antioco, Sardinia, Italy Tom Mullen Bentesali. Santomoro. DOC Carignano del Sulcis. 2022. 93-94 points. The name of this winery means 'salty wind.' Vines growing on black silt and sand are lined parallel to the direction of the mistral wind from the north. Aged for up to eight months in new large oak barrels. Aromas of petrol, tar, red cherries and oranges. Extracted and classic. Ripe rich dark fruit flavors—think Sangiovese with the heft of a Syrah. Tenute La Scogliera. Raije. DOC Carignano del Sulcis. 2023. 92-93 points. This includes the same complexity of the 2021, but is fresher for easier drinking. Rich red and ripe fruit aromas, as well as those of elicriso and red cherries. Structured and statured tannins but still light and fresh. XA Barra. DOC Carignano del Sulcis. 2023. 92-93 points. Co-owner Catteo Bettina is a fourth generation female winemaker who uses massal selection to grow vines on sandy soils. Wild aromas of green grass and sage and tobacco, as we as fig newtons and Provence herbs. Gentle tannins in this well balanced wine with flavors of brownies, red fruit and blackberries. Slight ginger and sage on the finish. Brisk underlying, supporting acidity. Binu Forti. DOC Carignano del Sulcis. 2023. 92-93 points. Aromas of maquis scrub in this wine that shines with red fruit aromas and includes mouth watering acidity. Flavors include raspberries and black licorice and slight menthol. Azienda Agricola Piede Franco. Bellesa Riserva. DOC Carignano del Sulcis. 2022. 94 points. Stunning label image made from a photograph of winemaker Roberto Matzeu's wife when vacationing in Tunisia. Aromas of red cherries and cedar. Rich, brilliant, crunchy and comlplex mid palate with flavors of lava cake and a slight mint finish. Well structured tannins balanced with supporting bright acidity. Pair with shish kebab or with pasta and truffles.
The Citizen
18-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Vale Tournament 2025: A triumph of passion, perseverance and purpose
After months of planning, sleepless nights, postponements, and going back to the drawing board, the Vale Tournament 2025 (TVT) was finally a dream realised. Initially meant to take place last year at Ellis Park Arena, the tournament was moved to the Walter Sisulu Hall, where it was held from April 23 to 27, hosted by the Edenvale Lions Basketball Academy (ELBA). 'Good things, they say, take time. It was supposed to happen in 2024, but due to financial constraints and a lack of sponsorship, it didn't go ahead. 'However, we pushed forward in 2025, even though we still didn't have enough sponsorship. Sponsors came on board, but most of them offered products rather than monetary donations,' explained co-founder and head coach of Elba, Edson Makavan. ALSO READ: Local golfers to tee off in Tunisia for tournament 'We pushed on, and as you can see, the tournament was well-executed, and it ran smoothly. We had Made By Ball Basketball Club (MBB), which was the winner from South Africa. 'The second-place team was Brave Hearts from Malawi, and third place went to Super Elite, also from South Africa. 'It was a well-balanced outcome, as if the universe had arranged it perfectly—two South African teams at the top, followed by one from Africa,' he added. MBB walked away with R325 000, Brave Hearts received R100 000, and Super Elite secured R25 000. Birthed from a vision deeply rooted in family values and community development, this tournament was more than just a series of games; it was the realisation of a dream. 'The organisation of such a tournament has always been in our plans. It's part of our programme. When Elba was established, we were founded on a family-based system where we run basketball with family fundamentals and values. 'One of our goals has always been to have international tournaments and leagues, and TVT, which stands for the Vale Tournament, was born from that vision.' Despite the numerous setbacks, mainly financial, the tournament ran successfully, with support from sponsors such as Vodacom, Super Quick Edenvale, Build It Edenvale, Brand South Africa, Spar, Aquelle, Energade, and Sportsman Warehouse. ALSO READ: St Andrew's hosts grueling sports tournament Makavan stated that the coverage by SABC brought national attention to a sport still fighting for recognition in the country. Organising a tournament of this scale without major funding was no easy feat. 'There's a difference between a chancer and a lover. When you love something, everything falls into place. But when you're just taking a chance, things tend to fall apart,' said Makavan. 'We're doing this tournament because we are basketball lovers. We love the sport. We want to grow it. We're doing what we love. You know, when you do something you love, it's not a challenge,' he added. The key takeaway for future tournaments is clear: solid financial backing from the outset will make a significant difference. 'We've already started planning for 2026 and engaging sponsors for stronger financial partnerships. This year laid the foundation. Next year, we'll build something even bigger.' Makavan expressed gratitude to the sponsors and supporters who remained loyal through the challenges. 'They saw the vision. 'They believed in us, even with the delays. We're building something here, and their patience and faith mean the world to us.' While there was support from basketball organisations such as the Ekurhuleni Basketball Association, Basketball South Africa, and other provincial bodies, Makavan admitted that the broader basketball community could do more. 'You always get keyboard warriors, people who criticise from the sidelines but do nothing themselves. 'That's not our focus. We're here to build. Criticism only fuels us to do better.' Elba didn't make it past the first round of the tournament, which was initially set to offer R1 million but had to be reduced to R500 000. 'We were outplayed. The Malawian team, Brave Hearts, showed hunger and dedication. 'My players needed to see that level of commitment. I told them the truth, even if it stung. You can't improve if you're in denial.' His message was simple: South African basketball players need to train harder, extra hard, to compete internationally. 'These guys from Malawi, they live basketball. They sleep basketball. They breathe it. We need that same level of drive.' ALSO READ: Bedfordview Country Club hosts bowling tournament What's next for South African basketball? 'We need proper structures. We need to remove politics from sport and place basketball lovers and experts in charge, not politicians. 'We also need more investment in facilities. I've been investing my own money in this academy. If a sponsor came forward and said, 'Let's build an international-standard court,' I'd hand them the plans today.' He said, 'Next year, we're coming back stronger, bigger, and better. We've planted the seed; now we grow.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Black America Web
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
The Ruler's Back: Slick Rick Announces New ‘Victory' Visual Album
Slick Rick has not released a full-length project in over 26 years, and that will soon change this summer. Partnering with Idris Elba, Slick Rick is slated to release his visual album Victory this summer via Elba's 7Wallace label and Nas' Mass Appeal Records. Slick Rick, long considered Hip-Hop's most masterful storyteller, will deliver Victory this June. As we see in the trailer for the project, the artist, real name Ricky Walters, constructed the album over four years and recorded in Europe, Africa, and North America. Rick's suave voice can be heard explaining the value of songwriting and poetry, reminding viewers that before films, words were how pictures were painted. Victory serves as Slick Rick's fifth studio album, last releasing his gold-selling album, The Art of Storytelling , in 1999. Rick and Elba are the executive producers for the album, with special appearances from Nas, Giggs, and Estelle. 'Victory is all about perseverance, storytelling, imagination and evolution. A visual blend of art and heart — a sonic journey that reflects where I've been and where I'm going. Victory isn't just music — it's a bold in your face statement, showcasing British artistry at its finest!' Rick shared in a statment. Elba adds, 'Working with Slick Rick… back home in the UK, and then offering the world of hip hop something amazing has been a blessing. It's literally a gift!' Mass Appeal co-founder Nas also shared a statement. 'Slick Rick and I have a long history of working together so it was great to get back in the studio with him to create this new record. He has been such an influential figure in Hip Hop culture and I look forward to him sharing this project with the next generation of fans,' shared the Queensbridge MC. Victory clocks in at 30 minutes and is directed by Meji Alabi, who worked with Beyoncé on her Black Is King project. The project carries the bold, creative visions of both Rick and Elba, who, beyond acting, released music previously and is an active DJ, among Elba's other talents. The powerhouse affair features longtime studio engineer Young Guru, who mixed the project, and photography was provided by Jonathan Mannion. Victory will see a world premiere at SXS7 London at Shoreditch Town Hall on June 7, followed by a special session with Slick Rick, Idris Elba, and Meji Alabi. Victory will make its debut in the States on June 13 at the SVA 1 Theater during the Tribeca Festival, which will have a Q&A session with Slick Rick. That same day, Victory will be available on DSPs and for purchase. To purchase tickets for the SXSW London showing, click here. For the Tribeca Festival showing, click here. — Photo: Jonathan Mannion SEE ALSO The Ruler's Back: Slick Rick Announces New 'Victory' Visual Album was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Heads Of State' Trailer: President John Cena And Prime Minister Idris Elba Work To Save The World
Amazon MGM Studios has dropped the first trailer for Heads of State, starring John Cena, Idris Elba and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. In the film, Cena plays the President of the United States while Elba plays the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. It serves as a reunion for Cena and Elba, who starred together in 2021's The Suicide Squad. Carla Gugino, Jack Quaid, Stephen Root, Sarah Niles, Richard Coyle and Paddy Considine also star in the film. Here's the official description for the film: In the action-comedy Heads of State, the UK Prime Minister Sam Clarke (Elba) and U.S. President Will Derringer (Cena) have a not-so-friendly and very public rivalry that jeopardizes their countries' 'special relationship.' But when they become the targets of a powerful and ruthless foreign adversary—who proves more than a match for the two leaders' security forces—they are begrudgingly forced to rely on the only two people they can trust: each other. Ultimately allied with the brilliant MI6 agent Noel Bisset (Chopra Jonas), they must go on the run and find a way to work together long enough to thwart a global conspiracy that threatens the entire free world. Directed by Ilya Naishuller, the screenplay was written by Josh Appelbaum & André Nemec and Harrison Query, based on story by Query. It's produced by Peter Safran and John Rickard, with Marcus Viscidi, Appelbaum, Nemec, Cena and Elba executive producing. The film hits Prime Video on July 2. Watch the trailer and check out the first look photos below:The post 'Heads Of State' Trailer: President John Cena And Prime Minister Idris Elba Work To Save The World appeared first on Blavity.
