As previously reported by REVOLT, Idris Elba inadvertently raised some eyebrows in February when he stated in an interview, “I stopped describing myself as a Black actor when I realized it put me in a box.” After clarifying the conversation, the English talent has returned to show his support for the ongoing fight for racial equality.
It was announced today (May 22) that the Beast actor and his wife, Sabrina Elba, will collaborate with BBC and CBC to bring “Paid in Full: The Battle for Payback” to life. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the project will be a three-part docuseries about how the music industry has notoriously exploited Black artists.
“This is a story that speaks to all of us. It’s about the people who created the soundtracks to our lives through popular music, and the agony that comes with their exploitation. It’s also about holding the music industry accountable for the injustice inflicted on generations of musical talents who have been denied their rightful financial and social rewards. “At the heart of it is the need to make amends — to acknowledge and repay what is owed,” Idris said in a statement. Green Door, his production company, will produce the series. Supercollider, a production label owned by Zinc Media, and Catalyst, a Canadian indie producer, will also contribute to the program’s success.
Tanya Shaw, Zinc Television’s managing director, elaborated on Idris’ goal. “Rather than being a straight music documentary, this series will examine the music industry in a racial context and reflect on the industry’s history of exploitation.” It will also focus on conversations about structural racism and those who have worked tirelessly to expose it,” she said. Jennifer Dettman, CBC’s executive director of unscripted content, wants viewers around the world to recognize their storytelling efforts. “We look forward to sharing this important series with audiences in Canada, offering a necessary and in-depth exploration of the structural racism inherent in the music industry and its impact over the decades,” she added.
