Idris Elba Shares Cinematic Visual for Emanuel’s ‘Need You’

After releasing his debut single, “Need You”, last week, emerging Canadian R&B artist Emanuel suddenly found himself in global headlines. Only hours after its release, Golden Globe-winning actor, musician and producer Idris Elba OBE, started the collaborative social media campaign #NeedYou2020. In his Instagram post, Elba encouraged people to submit photos or videos for an “inspirational collage” he was creating to Emanuel’s brand-new single that would document how the world was coping with self-isolation:

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Please send me a pic or a video for the chance to take part in this inspirational collage I’m putting together to this song by Emanuel @cellulardada. It’s called ‘Need You’ (link in bio) I want to document how people are coping, who they are coping with and what they absolutely NEED right now. Please send your entry to idrisneedsyou@gmail.com or #Needyou2020 across all platforms. WE ALL NEED HOPE RIGHT NOW.

A post shared by Idris Elba (@idriselba) on Apr 6, 2020 at 11:32am PDT

Within 24 hours, over 3,000 submissions for the collaborative video had been sent in from people around globe with a final total of over 4,500 entries from over 20 countries. By creating this collaborative call to action, Elba and Emanuel let the world direct the video we all need right now; a moving, honest expression of humanity’s deep need for connection. Emanuel’s stirring vocals unify the compelling images and create a sense of connection in a self-isolated world.

After teasing a sneak peek on Saturday, the official visual debuted today.

“Need You” is the first single from Emanuel’s upcoming debut EP, “ALT THERAPY – Session 1: Disillusion,” which will be released this Spring via Universal Music.

“Alt Therapy. It represents so many things.It is healing. Healing for those things in the past that would have us in bondage, in depression, in sadness. Those voices that told us we weren’t important.It’s gratification forthe yearning in our hearts to do something great for the people of this world. These songs are stories-stories from me, about us. I believe God has been the leading benefactor. He gave me virtues and a voice. He gave me melodies that catch the ear and thesoul.All of this, so that I could give a message of truth and love-filled with peace, to the world. This album is happening during this renaissance of beautiful black art in the world.I want to make my mark in this renaissance…with beautiful music…forged in countless hours of dedication and defiance to the bullshit going on.I would rather sip myfavouritewine daily, then try all the world’s wines. My music is like wine that renews herself daily and is true to herflavouralways. “-Emanuel

Writing from the perspective of a first-generation Canadian, Emanuel celebrates freedom, hope and love through the ancient tradition of songwriting. With four generations of musicians in his family history, Emanuel has a deep respect for the connection and therapeutic power of music. Like his grandfather and great-grandfathers before him, he uses the medium of music to share his stories.