2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Idris Elba in emotional return to old college for MOBO honour
Holllywood star Idris Elba has gone back to Barking and Dagenham College where he started out to receive a special award
Actor Idris Elba has made an emotional return to the college where he first studied for a special award. The Hollywood star was the recipient of a MOBO Paving The Way paving stone at Barking & Dagenham College, where the acclaimed actor started out.
The award celebrates "cultural pioneers who have made a lasting impact while continuing to uplift and give back to the communities that helped shape them." Others who have been given the awards include Dame Denise Lewis, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Sir Lenny Henry CBE, Nicola Adams, Wiley, and Ms Dynamite.
Idris studied for a BTEC in Performing Arts in the early 1990s at the college. And the event took place inside the college's state-of-the-art Idris Elba Studio, which is named in his honour.
The paving stone is inscribed with the words: "Don't get labelled — labels are for cans.' The actor spoke to students from Barking & Dagenham College's media and production courses, and talked about his career. He also spoke up about youth violence in the UK including knife crime, which is a subject close to his heart.
Idris said: "Coming back to Barking & Dagenham College, the place where I first started to shape my creative voice, and being recognised by MOBO in this way is a full-circle moment. MOBO has always stood for more than just music; it's about visibility, opportunity and pushing culture forward.
"To be honoured with a Paving the Way stone here, where my journey began, is deeply meaningful. I hope it stands as a reminder to every student walking through these doors that greatness can come from anywhere."
Kanya King CBE, Founder and CEO of MOBO, is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the MOBOs next year.
She added: 'Idris is living proof that dreams nurtured in local communities can echo across the world. His journey from this very college to global acclaim shows what's possible when talent meets tenacity. At MOBO, we believe in celebrating those who not only break barriers, but who return to build bridges. Honouring Idris with this Paving the Way stone isn't just about looking back — it's about lighting the path forward for generations to come.'
