Publishing Briefs: Idris Elba Deepens UMPG Pact, Plus Nick Drake Estate Sees Bryter Days

Renaissance man Idris Elba has extended his exclusive global publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group, continuing his multifaceted career as a songwriter, producer, musician, actor, director and DJ. 

Known for his acting roles in The Wire and Luther, Elba has also starred in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Beasts of No Nation, Thor, Pacific Rim and the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. 

Musically, Elba broke into the global scene with the hit “Boasty” (with Wiley, Stefflon Don and Sean Paul), and later collaborated on “Vroom” with The FaNaTiX, Lil TJay, Davido, Koffee and Moelego for Gran Turismo 7. He has released the collaborative EP Cordi Elba with Lime Cordiale and worked with labels such as Defected, Dirtybird and Ultra. In 2024, he launched Sound International, a global house label and live brand that has hosted showcases across London, Nairobi and at major festivals like Glastonbury and ADE.

As a performer — often appearing as DJ Big Driis — Elba has played back-to-back with Kaskade at Coachella, headlined Glastonbury stages, and held summer residencies in Ibiza. He’s set to headline the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after performing at Silverstone earlier this year.

“Idris is the rare writer and musician that moves easily between genres and can great create songs in every possible way,” glowed David Gray, managing director of UMPG UK. “We are honoured to be working with him to continue to build his already impressive music career.” 

Elba added that songwriting brings him “real joy — and having great people around only elevates the process.”

Check out the rest of this week’s publishing news below, including the 20th anniversary of SMP Poland, plus deals involving grunge knob-twister Rick Parashar, Maninho, Brandon Manley and more.