PS Sing'Oei' Holds Virtual Meeting With Idris Elba [Details]

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei has held a virtual meeting with British actor and producer Idris Elba. 

In a statement on Tuesday, September 8, PS Sing’Oei said he conveyed President William Ruto’s greetings and appreciation to Elba for his work across the continent. 

“Held a virtual meeting with Sir Idris Elba, globally acclaimed actor, filmmaker, producer, creative entrepreneur and Founder of Akuna Group. 

“I also conveyed the warm greetings and appreciation of H.E. President William Ruto for Sir Idris’ work across the continent,” read the statement. 

The Foreign Affairs PS noted that Elba emphasized the need to equip creatives with access to payment systems, professional networks, global markets, creative education and emerging technologies.

The two also discussed the Commonwealth Summit in Antigua and Barbuda and the planned launch of the Commonwealth Creative Economy Partnership. 

“We discussed the forthcoming Commonwealth Summit in Antigua and Barbuda and the launch of the Commonwealth Creative Economy Partnership that places young people, enterprise, technology and cultural expression at the centre of shared prosperity,” he stated. 

Further, PS Sing’Oei said he pledged Kenya readiness to serve as a continental anchor for this vision. 

“Our young creatives must not remain at the margins of the global creative economy. They must be its storytellers, innovators, entrepreneurs and owners equipped to earn from their talent, tell Africa’s stories with confidence and model the future on their own terms,” he added. 

This comes a month after President Ruto hosted the IFPI CEO Victoria Oakley at State House Nairobi. 

In a statement, President Ruto announced that Sony Music, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group have agreed to establish a presence in Nairobi.

“I'm encouraged by the shared commitment to strengthening Kenya's creative economy and positioning Nairobi as Africa's next major hub for the recorded music industry. 

“I am particularly delighted that Sony Music, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group have all agreed to establish a presence in Nairobi,” he stated. 

The President said he was particularly pleased that the three global music giants decided to establish a presence in Nairobi, describing it as a significant vote of confidence in Kenya’s creative talent, policy direction and ongoing reforms.

“This is a significant vote of confidence in Kenya's creative talent, our policy direction, and the reforms underway to build a globally competitive music ecosystem,” he added.