A closer look at our January digital cover experience featuring Idris and Sabrina Elba, EBONY Editor-in-Chief and SVP, Programming Marielle Bobo talks inspiration and more. Photo by Keith Major for EBONY Media. Video by Justin Barnes for We Build Heroes. Hair by Amoy Pitters. Makeup by Keanda “Keys” Rebelle.
In This Issue
We’re ringing in 2023 with our favorite jet-setting power couple Idris and Sabrina Elba. The pair have built a romantic partnership that is rooted in purpose and giving back. From their mission-based work as United Nations Goodwill Ambassadors to their partnership with Farm Africa, the Global Citizens are using their platforms for the greater good.
At the close of 2022, the EBONY team traveled to Washington. D.C. on a brisk December evening to photograph the duo before heading abroad for the holidays. In town for the U.S. Africa Leaders Summit, their schedule was jam-packed with a dizzying lineup of meetings with dignitaries, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists. Idris would deliver remarks at the global conference on the importance of investing in Africa–something that is near and dear to both the film star and his wife. As first generation children of immigrant parents, Idris (who is of Ghanaian-Sierra Leonean heritage) and Sabrina (whose family hails from Somalia) find connectivity in their humanitarian efforts on the Mother Continent.
In a whirlwind shoot at the Hillwood Estate, Museum & Garden and the Rosewood hotel in D.C., the Elbas served regal vibes, and plenty of inspiration for walking into the new year like the kings and queens that we are. In their exclusive cover story, they share how their love of Africa has fueled their purpose and shaped the vision for their pioneering EBONY Beauty Award-winning wellness brand S’ABLE Labs. Plus, the duo share forthcoming projects including Idris’ much-anticipated Luther release and more.
Our cover story kicks off a larger initiative that we are proud to debut on EBONY.com in late January. Africa Now, will be a dedicated space which celebrates the beauty and innovation of the Mother Continent. The digital hub will host a range of articles and videos that explore a variety of topics from Africa’s youth boom and global innovators to trailblazers throughout the diaspora who are championing change. Plus, how cultural festivals like Afrochella and Afro Nation are connecting citizens of the continent to its descendants abroad.
Check out our January Digital Cover Experience for the full story, behind-the-scenes videos, and more.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & SVP, PROGRAMMING MARIELLE BOBO
CREATIVE DIRECTOR RASHIDA MORGAN BROWN
PHOTO DIRECTOR/PHOTOGRAPHER KEITH MAJOR
ASSOC. CREATIVE DIRECTOR/HEAD OF VIDEO STEVEN CORNELIO
VIDEO BY MEGA MEDIA
DIGITAL PRODUCER ARTHUR WOO
GAFFER NATE AIREY
SOUND MIXER NICOLE PHILLIPS NAYLOR
VIDEO EDITOR MEGA MEDIA
PHOTO ASSISTANTS SAONI FORTUNA, BISCOE SAVOY
STYLIST ALEXANDER-JULIAN GIBBSON
STYLIST ASSISTANTS CHLOE LUCAN, PARKER HARDWOOD
TAILOR MINERVA DIANN SAVOY
HAIR STYLIST ANTOINETTE HILL
MAKEUP ARTIST RENEE GARNES WITH OPUS BEAUTY
GROOMER JESSICA SMALLS WITH THE WALL GROUP
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER TRACEY WOODS
ON SET PRODUCER PAMELA MATHIESON
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT SHANICE MARTIN
RETOUCHER DIGITAL 805 RETOUCHING
LOCATION SPECIAL THANK YOU TO HILLWOOD ESTATE MUSEUM & GARDENS AND ROSEWOOD HOTEL, WASHINGTON, D.C.
