Christine Feeley is a writer for Hollywood Insider and as a fan of all things film and television, she is very passionate about gender equality within the entertainment industry as well as how it can be used to promote social change. She hopes to bring an enriched perspective to the world of entertainment through her alignment with Hollywood Insider’s mission to share meaningful and positive content with audiences.
Jul 23, 2020
Table of Contents
Photo: ‘Black is King’/Disney+
In a move that surprised and thrilled the “Beyhive”, Beyoncé and Disney+ announced her upcoming visual album, titled “Black is King.” Written, directed, and executive produced by Beyoncé herself, the album is set to debut globally on the streaming platform on July 31. The visual album’s arrival will take place one year after the release of Disney’s live-action adaptation of The Lion King, which featured Beyoncé as the voice of Nala. “Black is King” is based on the music from last year’s The Lion King: The Gift, which was the companion soundtrack to the 2019 film.
According to Disney and Parkwood Entertainment, “Black Is King” is a “celebratory memoir for the world on the Black experience.”
“This visual album from Beyoncé reimagines the lessons of “The Lion King” for today’s young kings and queens in search of their own crowns,” as per Dsiney. It album will depict “the voyages of Black families, throughout time,” that 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. These timeless lessons are revealed and reflected through Black voices of today, now sitting in their own power,” the statement reads.
A one-minute teaser trailer for the film was released on June 27 by Beyoncé’s film and production company and record label and management firm, Parkwood Entertainment, in association with Disney+. The trailer debuted on the singer’s official website, and followed the surprise drop of her new single “Black Parade,” on Juneteenth, which was co-written with her husband Jay-Z. The song focuses on Black empowerment and centers around the nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd by the police.
Beyoncé has been an active member among the A-list celebrities that have been using their platforms amid the Black Lives Matter movement, urging the Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron to take action and bring justice to Breonna Taylor in a strong letter, as well as sharing an open letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, calling for the passing of the Heroes Act. Written by Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles-Lawson, the letter is co-signed by many high-profile black celebrities including Whoopi Goldberg, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Halle Berry, and Kerry Washington. Beyoncé also gave a powerful commencement speech as part of the “Dear Class of 2020” virtual graduation tribute on YouTube, reflecting on the injustices that the black community faces as well as the resilience of those graduating among “a global crisis, a racial pandemic, and worldwide expression of outrage at the senseless killing of yet another unarmed black human being.”
According to Disney’s press release, “Black is King” was in production for one year, and features a cast and crew that “represent diversity and connectivity.” Along with the 24-time Grammy Award-winner herself, those set to be featured on the visual album will include Jay-Z, Childish Gambino, Kendrick Lamar, Tierra Whack, Pharrell, 070 Shake, Blue Ivy Carter and Jessie Reyez. African artists Wizkid, Shatta Wale, Burna Boy, Mr Eazi, Tiwa Savage, Tekno, Yemi Alade, Busiswa and Salatiel are among others on the album, all of who were part of Beyonce-produced The Lion King: The Gift.
The Lion King: The Gift is the companion soundtrack and a “musical ode to the classic story of Disney’s The Lion King feature film.” It follows the movie’s plot, incorporating original songs and interludes of dialogue, and was described in its press release last summer as “a robust soundscape bringing together some of her favorite artists with the most talented and important African artists of the day to both pay tribute to the iconic film and bring the authentic sounds of African music to the world.”
Beyoncé called the album “sonic cinema” and said that it was “influenced by everything from R&B, pop, hip hop and Afro beat.” She also stated that “each song was written to reflect the film’s storytelling that gives the listener a chance to imagine their own imagery, while listening to a new contemporary interpretation.” She emphasized the importance of the songs being performed and produced by African performers, because “authenticity and heart were important to [her].” While Beyoncé possesses the starring role in the album, over 20 artists from the United States, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and Cameroon were featured on it.
“Black is King” will weave into itself elements and songs from The Lion King: The Gift, which also featured Beyoncé’s original song “Spirit.” Many are already looking forward to its release on the popular streaming platform next month, and viewing the project’s “reunion of cultures and shared generational beliefs”, and the “story of how the people left most broken have an extraordinary gift and a purposeful future.”
“Black Is King” is an affirmation of a grand purpose, with lush visuals that celebrate Black resilience and culture,” the statement proclaims. “The film highlights the beauty of tradition and Black excellence.”
An excerpt from the love letter: Hollywood Insider’s CEO/editor-in-chief Pritan Ambroase affirms, “Hollywood Insider fully supports the much-needed Black Lives Matter movement. We are actively, physically and digitally a part of this global movement. We will continue reporting on this major issue of police brutality and legal murders of Black people to hold the system accountable. We will continue reporting on this major issue with kindness and respect to all Black people, as each and every one of them are seen and heard. Just a reminder, that the Black Lives Matter movement is about more than just police brutality and extends into banking, housing, education, medical, infrastructure, etc. We have the space and time for all your stories. We believe in peaceful/non-violent protests and I would like to request the rest of media to focus on 95% of the protests that are peaceful and working effectively with positive changes happening daily. Media has a responsibility to better the world and Hollywood Insider will continue to do so.”
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Beyoncé called the album “sonic cinema” and said that it was “influenced by everything from R&B, pop, hip hop and Afro beat.” She also stated that “each song was written to reflect the film’s storytelling that gives the listener a chance to imagine their own imagery, while listening to a new contemporary interpretation.” She emphasized the importance of the songs being performed and produced by African performers, because “authenticity and heart were important to [her].” While Beyoncé possesses the starring role in the album, over 20 artists from the United States, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and Cameroon were featured on it.
“Black is King” will weave into itself elements and songs from The Lion King: The Gift, which also featured Beyoncé’s original song “Spirit.” Many are already looking forward to its release on the popular streaming platform next month, and viewing the project’s “reunion of cultures and shared generational beliefs”, and the “story of how the people left most broken have an extraordinary gift and a purposeful future.”
Beyoncé called the album “sonic cinema” and said that it was “influenced by everything from R&B, pop, hip hop and Afro beat.” She also stated that “each song was written to reflect the film’s storytelling that gives the listener a chance to imagine their own imagery, while listening to a new contemporary interpretation.” She emphasized the importance of the songs being performed and produced by African performers, because “authenticity and heart were important to [her].” While Beyoncé possesses the starring role in the album, over 20 artists from the United States, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and Cameroon were featured on it.
“Black is King” will weave into itself elements and songs from The Lion King: The Gift, which also featured Beyoncé’s original song “Spirit.” Many are already looking forward to its release on the popular streaming platform next month, and viewing the project’s “reunion of cultures and shared generational beliefs”, and the “story of how the people left most broken have an extraordinary gift and a purposeful future.”
Christine Feeley is a writer for Hollywood Insider and as a fan of all things film and television, she is very passionate about gender equality within the entertainment industry as well as how it can be used to promote social change. She hopes to bring an enriched perspective to the world of entertainment through her alignment with Hollywood Insider's mission to share meaningful and positive content with audiences.
Hollywood Insider is a media network thatfocuses on substance and meaningful entertainment/culture, so as to utilize media as a tool to unite and better our world, by combining entertainment, education and philanthropy, while being against gossip and scandal.
Christine Feeley is a writer for Hollywood Insider and as a fan of all things film and television, she is very passionate about gender equality within the entertainment industry as well as how it can be used to promote social change. She hopes to bring an enriched perspective to the world of entertainment through her alignment with Hollywood Insider’s mission to share meaningful and positive content with audiences.
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