Idris Elba, who's already almost two years removed from producing songs, has revealed that he is now working on an album as tribute to the late South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician, and philanthropist Nelson Mandela.

The British actor, who also sidelined as a rapper and DJ during the early years of his careers, told online news portal Daily Star that he is close to finishing an album that is "basically, a love letter from me to Mandela."

To complete the album, Elba said that he traveled all the way back to Mandela's hometown, South Africa, to meet and work local musicians.

''I went back to South Africa and worked with some great musicians," the Luther star and The Wire alumni told media.

"I'm really proud of the album. I'll wait until the film has died down so it doesn't get muddled but I'll release it in the new year."

The idea of the album came after Elba finished shooting his new film entitled "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom" wherein he plays the title role. This new movie, which was directed by Justin Chadwick from a script written by William Nicholson, tackles Madiba's early life, coming of age, education and 27 years in prison before becoming the president of South Africa.

Elba admitted to the media that playing Nelson Mandela was one of the most challenging characters he has ever done. From mimicking the world icon's voice to copying his looks, the 41-year old actor said he had a hard time.

''I couldn't do it at the beginning and you know why? Because I couldn't understand what he's doing to make him talk like that. And it turns out it's his traditional language, Xhosa."

'My worry was I don't look like Mandela. Justin just said, 'Don't worry about it'. But I was saying, No one is going to believe me. I am too dark-skinned'. Justin was like, 'It's the presence we want."