Actor and DJ Idris Elba is to be honored for his contribution to British culture at the 2017 Mobo Awards.
The Thor: Ragnarok star, 45, will be recognized with a special MOBO ‘Paving the Way’ paving stone, which will be installed at a location in Hackney, the area of London where he grew up.
On receiving the honor, Idris said in a press release, “I feel incredibly humbled to receive this honor. I have always felt a need to shine a light and pay a lasting tribute to the place that helped shape me in Hackney. Thank you MOBO for finally giving me that opportunity with Paving the Way.”
Previous winners of the award include grime pioneer Wiley, singer-songwriter Ms. Dynamite, comedian Lenny Henry and double Olympic gold medal-winning boxer Nicola Adams.
Idris added that he hoped his success would inspire kids from his hometown, as his career showed it was possible to rise from humble beginnings to Hollywood stardom.
“As someone who once faced homelessness, I know how important it is to have access to something better, to feel inspired and reach for your dreams,” he explained. “I’m blessed to have this chance to lay a paving stone in the place that I hold so dear and leave a legacy for future generations.”
The main MOBO Awards ceremony takes place at the at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, England on Wednesday (29Nov17).
Grime star Stormzy leads the way with five nominations, and jazz singer Gregory Porter is to be honored with an Outstanding Contribution award.
Cardi B, Krept & Konan, Stefflon Don, and Tokio Myers are among the acts set to perform at the awards bash, which celebrates achievements in black or urban music. The ceremony will be hosted by
TV host Maya Jama and pop star and presenter Marvin Humes.
