Idris Elba

Emanuel and Idris Elba created hope with the #NeedYou2020 movement

The quarantine ballad giving us comfort in challenging times.

R&B artist Emanuel found himself propelled into the spotlight a few weeks ago as his debut single ‘Need You’ from his upcoming debut EP ALT THERAPY – Session 1: Disillusion was picked up by British actor and DJ Idris Elba, who decided he wanted to showcase Emanuel’s talent and bring people together with a new movement named #NeedYou2020.

Elba petitioned his 4.7 million Instagram followers for footage of what they were doing during isolation, the ones selected becoming part of an ‘inspirational collage’ he was creating for the ‘Need You’ music video. The movement aimed to document how everyone was coping during isolation and has now become driven to deliver a message of hope and unity.

After over 4,500 responses from 20 countries, the video has been released and it’s a masterpiece.

Filled with touching tributes to those on the frontline in the NHS, the key workers keeping everything ticking over and the stay at home heroes across the world, the video follows different storylines from all walks of life. Paired beautifully with Emanuel’s soothing and sumptuous vocals, we get an insight past the disconnect we all feel right now, feeling comfort in seeing what everyone else is doing, whether that be playing guitar in the front room, or appreciating more time spent with a loved one – a unifying collaboration and expression of global togetherness.

It’s provides a welcome sense of comfort and reconnection that we all need in this self-isolated world. The video is a reminder of what can be done if we work together and how, if we do work together, this will all be over soon.

Listen to Emanuel on Spotify and Apple Music. Get the latest edition of our print magazine featuring cover star Soccer Mommy, grammy-nominated Black Pumas, Alfie Templeman and more HERE.

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