Idris Elba crafts retro house track under Charlie Ayo alias from new Netflix comedy series
Idris Elba has released a track, “L.U.V.” featuring Shaznay Lewis, under his Charlie Ayo character name from the movie star’s new Netflix comedy series, Turn Up Charlie. It’s a retro house track with dissident ’70s vocals from Lewis that dance around Elba’s grime-inspired ad libs. Lush keys lay the melody atop a running house beat with crisp high hats and a disco bassline. Vocal chops eventually circulate the track in a cacophony of flying sounds amidst the swinging rhythm.
Turn Up Charlie premieres March 15 and showcases Charlie Ayo, played by Elba, as a struggling DJ on his last chance. In the eight-episode series, Ayo reluctantly takes a job as a “manny,” babysitting his famous best friend’s daughter. It’s a step outside of Elba’s usual James Bond character, as the storyline follows a longtime passion and side hustle from the renaissance man: DJing. This year, he is slated to perform at Coachella, so fans may able to hear “L.U.V.” played live at the Empire Polo Club.
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