Idris Elba reveals he wants to settle in Africa within a decade amid plans to help bolster their film industry by opening studios in Zanzibar and Ghana
As an ardent fan, I am absolutely thrilled and inspired by Idris Elba’s ambitious plans for Africa! Born to Ghanaian and Sierra Leonean parents in London, he carries the rich heritage of two beautiful African nations within him. His desire to settle on the continent within a decade and bolster its film industry is truly heartening.
Idris Elba has revealed that he wants to settle in Africa within a decade.
52-year-old actor aims to strengthen the movie sector by establishing film production studios in Zanzibar and the capital city of Accra, Ghana.
Born in the eastern part of London, specifically Hackney, Idris hails from a multicultural background. His mother is originally from Ghana, while his father is from Sierra Leone.
He shared with the BBC on Wednesday that he intends to establish a permanent residence here, not just think about it, but make it a reality.
In the coming five to ten years, assuming all goes well, I plan to relocate. My goal is to contribute to the growth of our film industry, which is a project spanning over a decade. To achieve this, it’s essential for me to physically be within the country or continent.
As a story enthusiast, I plan to immerse myself in the vibrant tales of three captivating cities: Accra, Freetown, and Zanzibar. Each of these destinations promises an enchanting backdrop for the stories that are waiting to be heard, making this journey incredibly significant for me.
He added that he thinks it is vital for Africans to play a key part in all areas of the film-making process including in financing, distribution and marketing.
He said that in the current sector if you watch films that have anything to do with Africa all you will see is ‘trauma, war, how we were slaves’ but that in reality if you travel there you see that that is not true.
In March, Idris unveiled ambitions to redevelop an isolated island situated off the west coast of Sierra Leone – the birthplace of his father – into a sustainable and technologically advanced urban center, often referred to as a “smart city.
The British star said he wants to make Sherbro Island an ‘afro-dynamic eco-city’ – an urban hub for the whole of Africa combining sustainability, community and economic growth.
According to Sherbro Alliance Partners (SAP), the construction process will prioritize preservation of its fragile environment. The 230 square mile island, rich in mangrove forests, is also a significant location for sea turtles to lay their eggs.
Inhabited by approximately 40,000 residents, predominantly engaged in fishing and rice agriculture, the actor aims to stimulate economic expansion and promote affluence within this former British territory.
The development plan doesn’t have a fixed budget yet, but it’s expected to cost several billion dollars. SAP is looking for investments, while Mr. Elba has expressed that this project is a grand ambition of his.
In his conversation with the BBC, he expressed that he never imagined he could establish the base for a futuristic city, as he felt underqualified. However, he emphasized that he is fully capable of having grand ambitions.
The Hackney-born star has been vocal about his desire to rejuvenate and ‘rebrand’ his father’s homeland after making his fortune as a DJ, singer and actor.
Initially intended to attract tourists with its breathtaking white beaches and palm trees, the project eventually evolved into a forward-thinking strategy aimed at fostering sustainable development within the region instead.
According to Mr. Elba, it’s all about achieving independence and sustainability, as well as fostering an economy that can nourish itself and show signs of expansion.
I’m really excited about changing the perspective on Africa, moving away from the traditional aid-focused viewpoint. This new approach offers a unique chance that deviates entirely from what we’ve seen before.
As a child, I shared laughter and life lessons with Siaka Stevens, a dear friend whose grandfather was the esteemed President of Sierra Leone. Years later, it was this connection that led me to be involved in an exciting new project, all thanks to our shared past in London.
After considering various growth prospects in his native land, Mr. Stevens found that he and Elba disagreed about the feasibility of a boutique hotel venture; instead, they began exploring alternative options for investment.
I chose to collaborate on establishing SAP and work diligently towards developing Sherbro Island City, reaching an agreement with the Sierra Leonean government for this island’s development.
The President hailing from the Sherbro district, Julius Maada Bio, stated that his administration views this development as having the potential to transform the island into an “economic driver” not just for Sierra Leone, but also for neighboring countries.
The actor said the island, which was ‘once under British reign, is now my canvas for change.’
Last week, I shared an update about my ongoing venture – a transformative project I’m leading on Sherbro Island. As someone who has deep connections to both Britain and Africa, this initiative is particularly close to my heart.
As a fervent admirer, I picture a world powered by eco-friendly energy, brimming with groundbreaking ideas, and serving as a hub for diverse global minds to thrive. Here, we safeguard our legacy while cultivating the next generation’s potential.
Imaginary blueprints reveal a future cityscape with gleaming skyscrapers, well-groomed greenery, and a blend of commercial and recreational facilities.
However, the everyday life on the island contrasts significantly with these artists’ depictions, as numerous residents reside in dilapidated shacks and lack adequate infrastructure.
As a passionate advocate for cultural diversity, I myself hail from Sierra Leone, but my father, the esteemed artist, Winston, was actually born in this beautiful African nation. Later in life, he chose to relocate to the United Kingdom.
In his initial return to his homeland, upon receiving citizenship in 2019, he stated: ‘I, a native soil-dweller, am returning to enrich the land.’
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2024-10-24 04:15