A-LISTER Idris Elba made a heartfelt return to his old stomping grounds as he’s given top MOBO honour by Kanya King CBE.
The 52-year-old was honoured with the prestigious ‘Paving the Way’ stone outside Barking & Dagenham College — the place where his journey into the arts first began.
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Dressed in all black and flashing a grin, Idris was joined by MOBO Awards founder Kanya, students, and local supporters for a red carpet-style unveiling at the college entrance.
His stone is inscribed with his own words: “Don’t get labelled – labels are for cans.”
Paving the Way stone honourees are chosen by the award-recipients to be placed in locations that hold deep personal meaning.
The event was a full-circle moment for the Luther star, who studied Performing Arts at the London college back in the early ’90s.
Now a globally celebrated actor, DJ, producer and activist, Elba took the moment to reflect on his roots and the importance of giving back.
He 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 event also featured the college’s state-of-the-art Idris Elba Studio — a professional film and TV facility named in his honour.
MOBO CEO Kanya also reflected on the moment, she said: “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.
“At MOBO, we believe in celebrating those who not only break barriers, but who return to build bridges.”
Back In December, Kanya announced that she had been diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer and given just six months to live.
The diagnosis had been a shock to King as she had been leading a healthy lifestyle which included not drinking alcohol, not smoking and exercising regularly.
The music industry pioneer is receiving treatment and said the diagnosis has been a “huge change” to her life as medical scans, treatments, appointments and administration have now become her “new normal”.
Speaking about the Idris’ award she added: “Honouring Idris with this Paving the Way stone isn’t just about looking back — it’s about lighting the path forward for generations to come.”
Elba joins an exclusive list of icons honoured with a Paving the Way stone, including Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Sir Lenny Henry, Nicola Adams, Wiley, and Ms Dynamite.
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