It has been a year since Beyoncé released the ‘The Lion King: The Gift’ album. An album that we warmly referred to as “A Quintessential Love Letter to Africa”. The visual album for ‘The Gift’ has been titled, ‘Black Is King’ and is now streaming exclusively through Disney Plus. A deluxe version of ‘The Lion King: The Gift’ album is also available now as well.
Now I must say, I have watched ‘Black Is King’ too many times to count this weekend. The Parkwood Entertainment film produced and directed by Beyoncé with co-director Kwasi Fordjour exceeded my expectations. Beyoncé continues to raise the bar with every project that she creates, as she continues to reinvent the definition of excellence.
‘Black Is King’ commands the power and respect that we as black people were born and instilled with in the beginning of time in Africa. The film takes us on an empowering and colorful journey of our ancestry and the African Diaspora reimagined. ‘Black Is King’ was filmed across Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, The US, and The UK. While filming in all of these locations, casting included native talent for dancers, models, and actors alike.
Several of the musical artists that were featured on ‘The Gift’ album were also brought to the forefront across the entirety of the film. African artists that made appearances were Mr Eazi, Tiwa Savage, Lord Afrixana, Yemi Alade, Shatta Wale, Salatiel, Wizkid, Busiswa, and Moonchild Sanelly. And rightfully so, in curating the visuals in this manner viewers are able to digest the rich and royal culture of Africa in its truest form. Most importantly, these African artists are being given the opportunity to be seen and celebrated on a much larger platform authentically. Other special musical appearances were made by JAY-Z, Pharrell Williams, Jessie Reyez, Nija, and Tierra Whack. Additional appearances were Tina Knowles Lawson, Blue Ivy Carter, Rumi Carter, Sir Carter, Kelly Rowland, Naomi Campbell, Lupita Nyong’o, Adut Akech, and Aweng Chuol.
The visuals for ‘Black Is King’ were awe-inspiring; the unison of so many black bodies, brilliant wardrobe looks, traditional tribal dances, and breathtaking scenic locations. These visuals paired with the music of the album, narration by Beyoncé, and poetry spoken by Warsan Shire definitely struck all the feels and tears were shed!! Across social media, viewers were sharing their fervor for the inspirational moments that caused them to feel seen like never before. Africans and black culture has and will always be undeniably regal, and these visuals are the reminder for everyone who has forgotten or denied this fact through history. To see a film crafted in this manner that presents the innocence and beauty of black children for all of us to see on a large scale is so necessary. For this film to be available for black children to see images of people that look like them is both comforting and encouraging and will likely aid in stronger self-esteem and self-worth. This is the representation that a lot us did not see in our formative years which is why this film is so significant.
‘Black Is King’ is the magnification of African culture, pure joy, and the history of black people across the diaspora. As black people we should remember that we are Kings, despite systemic oppression. In addition, our ancestors and the orishas are present as protection as we navigate this world. As Kings we should continue to recognize our potential and the generational wealth that we derive from and we should continue to build for ourselves and those that come after us.
“Let Black be synonymous with Glory” – Beyoncé
‘Black Is King’ is available NOW only on Disney+. Below you can watch the full visual for “Already” and “Brown Skin Girl” to get a glimpse of the greatness that ‘Black Is King’ provides.
