Beyoncé has continuously reverenced, African deities, a good example was the goddess Osun, during her 2018 Grammy performance and the “Lemonade” video with its many references.
Continuing in that tradition, she pays homage to another African mythical river goddess, Yemoja, in the recently released video to one of the singles of her forthcoming Lion King-inspired album – “Spirit”.
The video, which premiered as part of a one-hour primetime special on ABC, “The Lion King: Can You Feel The Love Tonight?” with Robin Roberts was described by Beyoncé as “a love letter to Africa.”
The River Stills
Yemoja is a river deity, and the video gives several stills of the singer in the water, including one where she has her arms raised before a waterfall.
The Tree of Life
Yemoja is said to cure infertility in women, giving life and governing everything from conception to childbirth, and parenting to child safety. Beyoncé stands before the tree, flanked by her children.
Motherhood
Yemoja is the mother of the sea children, and in some scenes from the video, Beyoncé is with her daughter, Blue Ivy, as she also mothers others.
The Cowries
One of Yemoja’s many symbols is Cowry shells and the white cloth), representing Yemoja’s wealth. The “Spirit” video, finds Beyoncé donning a white gown adorned with cowry shells. She stands before the tree of life (wrapped in white) in this regalia, gazing forward.
The Mermaid Symbolism
Then there’s the mermaid symbolism (Yemoja is depicted as a mermaid) in the video, including when she stands before the waterfall inside the river.
It’s almost impossible to know where to begin; mind-blowing visuals? Precise choreography? Eccentric fashion? The authenticity of her African-ness that is both modern and mindful of the ancient. You can now watch the video in a new light, you’re welcome;
