Idris Elba, known for his roles in "The Wire" and "Luther," has a new vision for Africa. He plans to build film studios across the continent, beginning with Zanzibar. This project aims to make Africa a central figure in global entertainment, showcasing authentic African stories and talents. Zanzibar’s lush landscapes and culture provide an ideal backdrop, while Elba’s ambitious vision promises global appeal and impact.
Idris Elba and Zanzibar’s New Studio
Elba’s meeting with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan set the project in motion. During discussions, they agreed to create a film studio in Zanzibar, where the government allocated nearly 200 acres for the site. Elba envisions a facility that rivals those of Hollywood, Bollywood, and Nollywood in size and influence. The Investment Minister, Shariff Ali Shariff, humorously suggested names like “Zallywood” for the new industry.
Beyond producing films, the studio will spotlight Africa’s stories and change global perceptions of the continent. In recent interviews, Elba discussed how foreign perspectives often dominate African representation in media. This project allows Africans to control their narrative, sharing their rich stories without distortion. Elba believes that authentic stories will enhance Africa’s global image, breaking stereotypes often portrayed by outside media.
The Citizen | Elba’s meeting with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan set the project in motion, agreeing to create a film studio in Zanzibar.
Addressing Africa’s Underrepresentation in Creative Industries
Africa holds 18% of the world’s population but only 1% of the creative economy. This vast gap motivates Elba’s mission. Projections suggest Africa’s film industry could create 20 million jobs by 2030 and generate $20 billion annually. Media giants like Netflix and Disney have already invested in Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria, highlighting Africa’s growing appeal as a creative hub.
Elba’s vision, however, extends beyond studio construction. He aims to build an ecosystem supporting young African creatives within their homeland. With Africa’s median age just 19, the continent is primed for youthful stories of optimism and progress. By empowering local talents, Elba hopes to reduce the need for African creatives to seek opportunities abroad, strengthening Africa’s own creative economy.
Drawing Inspiration from Global Success Stories
Elba looks to South Korea’s entertainment industry as a successful model for Africa. South Korea’s pop culture boom, known as Hallyu, illustrates the power of cultural exports in boosting the national economy. From 2017 to 2021, South Korea’s cultural exports soared, adding $27 billion to its economy. Elba believes Africa, with its own cultural wealth, can experience similar growth by embracing local stories and talents.
In support of this, Tanzania has partnered with South Korea to train African actors in Busan. This collaboration offers both skill development and industry knowledge. Elba believes this initiative could make Africa’s creative sector a substantial contributor to the continent’s economy. The outcome would be a sustainable industry that produces original African content and provides stable, local employment for creatives.
Media Wire Express | Tanzania has partnered with South Korea to train African actors in Busan.
Financial Inclusion for African Creatives
Creating an entertainment hub requires more than just a studio. Financial infrastructure is vital for long-term success. Elba has partnered with Stellar, a blockchain platform, to introduce Akuna Wallet. This digital wallet aims to empower artists, filmmakers, and musicians by offering direct payment options, bypassing traditional banks.
For many young Africans without bank accounts, Akuna Wallet provides an accessible, secure payment solution. It enables peer-to-peer transactions in digital currencies, supporting financial inclusion. With consistent financial support, African creatives can focus on producing high-quality work. Akuna Wallet removes common financial barriers, paving the way for innovation and growth in Africa’s creative economy.
By addressing financial challenges and nurturing local talent, Elba’s vision is set to significantly impact Africa’s entertainment landscape. The studio project and Akuna Wallet bring Africa’s creative potential closer to global audiences, unlocking opportunities for millions across the continent.
