Following his role as Mandela in 2013's Long Walk to Freedom, Golden Globe winner Idris Elba has curated, written and produced an album showcasing the best in South Africa's unsung talent. Mixing both British and South African artists, mi Mandella includes collaborations with Mercury Prize-winner James Blake and co-producer Mr. Hudson. Mumford & Sons, who this year wrote the soundtrack to Inside Llewyn Davis, contributed their writing skills to the song Home which also features on the album.
Dedicating the album to Mandela, who died on the December 5 2013 and his late father Winston, Elba recorded the album at Jazzworks Studio in Johannesburg. Already an established DJ, he has produced and recorded tracks since 2001, with mi Mandella being his latest effort to promote previously undiscovered artists.