Idris Elba is a British television, theatre and film actor.
Born and raised in Hackney, Idris attended Barking & Dagenham College and then went on to win a place in the National Youth Music Theatre after a £1,500 Prince's Trust Grant.
Since then, he has starred in both British and American productions including The Wire, Luther and in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Receiving a Golden Globe, nominations for three BAFTA Awards and six Emmy Awards and being named in the Time 100 list of Most Influential People in the World in 2016, he is one of the top 20 highest-grossing actors.
As well as starring in a wide range of TV opportunities, Idris is also a rapper, singer and DJ.
MOBO Honours Idris Elba OBE with ‘Paving the Way’ Stone at Barking & Dagenham College ahead of 30th Anniversary Celebrations
On Friday 13 June 2025, MOBO paid tribute to global icon Idris Elba with the unveiling of a commemorative paving stone at Barking & Dagenham College.
The tribute forms part of MOBO’s Paving The Way award, which celebrates cultural pioneers who have made a lasting impact while continuing to uplift and give back to the communities that helped shape them.
The event took place inside the college’s state-of-the-art Idris Elba Studio - a professional film and TV facility named in his honour. The day also featured an intimate Q&A with Elba, bringing together students from Barking & Dagenham College’s media and production courses and rising talent from the MOBO UnSung Class of 2025 - alumni of MOBO’s acclaimed artist development programme.
Speaking on the honour, Idris Elba 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."
The commemorative paving stone, which now sits proudly at the college entrance, is inscribed with the words:
“Don’t get labelled - labels are for cans.”
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This is a great place to learn. Barking & Dagenham College was the first place I got to fall on my face as an actor and get back up to be supported by great people and a great College.
