Beyoncé has proven once again that she is the undisputed Queen of pop with her latest collaboration with Disney, “Black Is King”
“Black is King” as a visual album is based of the music of the Lion king and premiere globally on the 31st of July, 2020
Released on Sunday evening, the one-minute video has raked over 5.5 million on Instagram alone and it features guest artists such as Yemi Alade, Connie Chiume, John Kani, Nandi Madida, Nyaniso Dzedze, Warren Masemola and Beyoncé.
Talk about a woman who can do it all, the new visual album was written, directed and executively produced by Beyoncé.
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In a press statement, Beyonce’s company, Parkwood Entertainment and Disney said the album was in production for one year with a cast and crew that represent diversity and connectivity.
“The voyages of Black families, throughout time, are honored in a tale about a young king’s transcendent journey through betrayal, love and self-identity. His ancestors help guide him toward his destiny, and with his father’s teachings and guidance from his childhood love, he earns the virtues needed to reclaim his home and throne,” the statement said
In rather Un-Beyonce style, the 24-time Grammy-Award-winner shared the trailer with a lengthy caption.
I typically keep comments short and sweet, but I just watched the trailer with my family and I’m excited. ?please don’t get me hype?? “Black Is King” is a labor of love. It is my passion project that I have been filming, researching and editing day and night for the past year. I’ve given it my all and now it’s yours. It was originally filmed as a companion piece to “The Lion King: The Gift” soundtrack and meant to celebrate the breadth and beauty of Black ancestry. I could never have imagined that a year later, all the hard work that went into this production would serve a greater purpose.
The events of 2020 have made the film’s vision and message even more relevant, as people across the world embark on a historic journey. We are all in search of safety and light. Many of us want change. I believe that when Black people tell our own stories, we can shift the axis of the world and tell our REAL history of generational wealth and richness of soul that are not told in our history books.
With this visual album, I wanted to present elements of Black history and African tradition, with a modern twist and a universal message, and what it truly means to find your self-identity and build a legacy.
I spent a lot of time exploring and absorbing the lessons of past generations and the rich history of different African customs. While working on this film, there were moments where I’ve felt overwhelmed, like many others on my creative team, but it was important to create a film that instills pride and knowledge.
I only hope that from watching, you leave feeling inspired to continue building a legacy that impacts the world in an immeasurable way. I pray that everyone sees the beauty and resilience of our people.
This is a story of how the people left MOST BROKEN have EXTRAORDINARY gifts.❤️✊? Thank you to Blitz, Emmanuel, Ibra, Jenn, Pierre, Dikayl, Kwasi and all the brilliant creatives. Thank you to all at Disney for giving this Black woman the opportunity to tell this story.
This experience has been an affirmation of a grander purpose. My only goal is that you watch it with your family and that it gives you pride.
Love y’all,
B
