Beyoncé took viewers on a magical experience with Black Is King as we watched her narrate and guide a young African king on a journey of love, betrayal, and understanding the importance of his history.
For the project, the singer collaborated with her husband Jay-Z, producer Pharrell Williams, Kendrick Lamar, as well her castmate from the live-action version of The Lion King, Childish Gambino.
But what was essential to the authenticity of the story — filmed in New York, Los Angeles, South Africa, West Africa, London, and Belgium; was the artists she collaborated with from across the continent and diaspora.
African artists who made an appearance in the Black Is King were Wizkid, Mr Eazi, Yemi Alade, Busiswa Gqulu, Tiwa Savage, Nija, and Saint JHE. Ahead of the release, Beyoncé also dropped the visual for the song Already with Ghanaian artist Shatta Watta.
“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,” Beyoncé said in an Instagram post last June.
Watch Already ft. Shatta Wale below:
“I spent a lot of time exploring and absorbing the lessons of past generations; 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.”
Adding, “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.”
One of the successes of the film was Beyoncé’s work with African artists, producers, and directors who helped create the sound and visuals for Black Is King.
The film was co-directed by Kwasi Fordjour, the Ghanaian creative director of her Parkwood Entertainment company. He worked with other African contributors who included Emmanuel Adjei, Pierre Debusschere, Ibra Ake (Atlanta), Dikayl Rimmasch; Jenn Nkiru, Dikayl Rimmasch, and Jake Nava.
Watch Ja Ara E ft. Burna Boy below:
Bazawule revealed how much care went into the visuals. “Like any film I’ve ever directed, it always starts with storyboards. #BlackIsKing was no different,” he noted on Twitter. “I sketched over 200 frames of storyboards while working with Queen Beyoncé on the narrative arc of the story. It helped guide every shot. Blessed to contribute to this EPIC.”
While viewers were enthroned by Simba’s harrowing story, it was the Afrobeats music that touched the souls of those at home. Songs such as BIGGER, OTHERSIDE, and SPIRIT tug at the emotional heartstrings of the viewers. FIND YOUR WAY BACK, ALREADY, and MY POWER tap into the beauty of African dance culture.
Watch Spirit + Bigger below:
Before the release of Black Is King, there were those who had fears that this film would portray Africa in the gimmicky trend. Described as “Wakandification,” Dr. Jade Bentil coined the term for the idea that western media capitalizes off an array of African cultures; neatly packaging it in a bow to sell to western audiences.
Beyoncé emphasized that she did not “want to lose the authenticity of Africa… It starts with the drumbeat and groove” in her documentary for The Gift.
While Africa is not homogeneous, there are certain elements, particularly in visual storytelling and archiving history, that are similar. In Black Is King these elements are distinct and united all at the same time.
