The MOBO Organisation today celebrated global icon Idris Elba OBE with the unveiling of a commemorative paving stone at Barking & Dagenham College, marking a significant moment in the lead-up to MOBO's 30th anniversary celebrations in 2026. The award-winning actor, musician, and activist was honoured for his exceptional achievements in the arts and his profound contribution to British culture.
This tribute is part of MOBO’s prestigious Paving The Way award, which recognizes cultural pioneers who have made a lasting impact while actively giving back to the communities that shaped them. Elba joins an esteemed list of previous recipients, including Dame Denise Lewis OBE, Sir Lenny Henry CBE, and Wiley. Each paving stone is placed in a location of deep personal significance to the awardee. Elba chose his former college, where he studied a BTEC in Performing Arts in the early 1990s, symbolizing a powerful return to his roots and an inspiration for future generations of creatives.
The ceremony took place inside the college’s state-of-the-art Idris Elba Studio, a professional film and TV facility named in his honour. The event also featured an intimate Q&A session with Elba, engaging students from the college’s media and production courses alongside rising talents from the MOBO UnSung Class of 2025, an alumni group from MOBO’s acclaimed artist development program.
During the event, Elba reflected on his creative journey, offering personal insights and advice to aspiring artists. He also addressed the critical issue of youth violence in the UK, highlighting his ongoing dedication to tackling knife crime.
Idris Elba expressed his gratitude: "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."
Kanya King CBE, Founder and CEO of MOBO, added, “Idris is living proof that dreams nurtured in local communities can echo across the world. His journey from this very college to global acclaim shows what’s possible when talent meets tenacity."
The commemorative paving stone, now prominently displayed at the college entrance, is inscribed with the inspiring words: “Don’t get labelled — labels are for cans.”
This event follows the launch of MOBO Help Musicians Amplified, a new 12-month career accelerator program designed to support musicians creating music of Black origin, offering funding, business guidance, and industry networking. Applications are currently open.
