Idris Elba has shared new anti-violence song ‘Knives Down’.
The actor and musician is committed to helping the younger generation, and has frequently spoken out on gang culture, and violence in London. New release ‘Knives Down’ takes this further – an explicit call to the end of knife violence, he has also asked for an immediate ban on the sale of machetes and “zombie” knives.
Taking part in a sombre activation in parliament square, Idris Elba spoke to press as the square was filled with folded last outfits from some of the victims of 2023.
“I can’t stay silent as more young lives are lost to these brutal and heartless crimes,” Elba said. “As school returns, too many young people will not be joining their classmates and too many grieving families have lost a young person they love in recent years. Young people are our future, their potential deserves to be met, not taken away by violence.”
“Parliament has repeatedly not given this issue the focus it deserves, and our political leaders need to prioritise it now. As well as an immediate ban on zombie knives and machetes, we need to give young people more of a reason not to carry a weapon in the first place. That means investing in the services that address the root causes of violent crime.”
Part of the ongoing Don’t Stop Your Future campaign, new song ‘Knives Down’ was produced by super producer Fraser T Smith and FaNaTiX, with a guest spot from DB Maz.
A powerful and timely release, you can check it out below.
Photo Credit: Alex J Piper
