Idris Elba and his wife Sabrina Elba are set to produce a docuseries titled “Paid in Full: The Battle for Payback,” which aims to uncover racism in the music industry. The series, commissioned by the Canadian Broadcasting Centre (CBC) and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), sheds light on the exploitation of Black artists and examines the industry’s exploitative demands.
Elba, known for his illustrious acting career, has been vocal about racial injustice in the industry. In an Esquire UK interview, he expressed his desire to be recognized as an actor rather than a Black actor.
“I stopped describing myself as a Black actor when I realized it put me in a box,” he stated, highlighting the limitations imposed by societal perceptions based on skin color.
The docuseries however, focuses on racism in the music industry, particularly the exploitation of Black artists.
Throughout history, Black artists have faced challenges and have often been under-appreciated for their contributions to various genres of music, including jazz, rock and roll, and country. Even today, they continue to seek the respect they deserve.
The Rolling Stone published an article in 2020 that shed light on racism in the music industry, highlighting how Black artists are often excluded from spaces deemed “white.” Examples include Lil Nas X’s hit song “Old Town Road,” which was removed from Billboard’s Hot Country Songs, while white artists face less criticism when venturing into predominantly Black music genres like hip hop/rap and R&B.
Exploitation plays a significant role in the industry’s treatment of Black artists. They are frequently denied proper accreditation and recognition for their work. Elvis Presley’s career serves as an example, as he drew inspiration from Black artists and performers he saw at Black music clubs, yet he is celebrated as the King of Rock & Roll.
Reparations is also a central theme as Elba takes a look and what’s owed to Black artists who were never fully recognized or compensated for their contributions.
, “This is a story that touches all of us. It’s about the people who created the soundtracks of our lives in popular music and the pain of their exploitation. It’s also about bringing the music industry to account for the injustice inflicted on generations of musical talents who have been deprived of their rightful rewards both financially and in terms of status and respect. At the heart of it is the need to make amends — granting acknowledgement and paying back what is due.”- Idris Elba
“Paid in Full: The Battle for Payback” will premiere on the BBC and CBC networks, offering an opportunity for viewers to gain a deeper understanding of the realities and challenges faced by Black artists in the music industry.
