ABOVE: “Black is King” is a visual album created by Beyonce that ties in with “The Lion King” and highlights the Black experience (Photo courtesy Twitter).
Pop/R&B singer Beyonce is set to release a visual album with Disney Plus that is centered on celebrating Black culture.
“Black is King” serves as a companion to “The Lion King: The Gift,” a soundtrack album Beyonce curated for the release of Walt Disney Pictures’ 2019 theatrical adaptation of “The Lion King.”
“Black is King” was “written, directed and executive produced by Beyonce,” according to a Variety article. It will feature the musical collaborators who contributed to “The Lion King: The Gift,” including Childish Gambino, Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell and Jay-Z.
According to a joint statement made by Disney and Beyonce’s Parkwood Entertainment, “Black is King” was conceived as “‘a celebratory memoir for the world on the Black experience.’” The film’s storyline incorporates an homage to Black history.
“‘Black Is King’ pays tribute to voyages of Black families throughout time,” the companies said. “The visual album tells the story of 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.”
Moreover, the film is meant to resonate with and inspire current generations by connecting them to their heritage.
“‘The film is a story for the ages that informs and rebuilds the present,’” the companies said. “‘A reunion of cultures and shared generational beliefs. A story of how the people left most broken have an extraordinary gift and a purposeful future.’”
In the broadest sense, “Black is King” functions as a filmed love letter to Blackness by emphasizing its best attributes.
“‘Black Is King’ is an affirmation of a grand purpose, with lush visuals that celebrate Black resilience and culture,’” the companies said. “‘The film highlights the beauty of tradition and Black excellence.’”
Fans have been praising Beyonce since the visual album was officially announced.
OKAY BUT CAN WE TALK ABOUT HOW BEYONCÉ MADE A WHOLE FILM ABOUT BEING BLACK WITH MF DISNEY?? OFF THE BACK OF LION KING??? LIKE SHE IS WORKING HARD FOR HER PEOPLE AND I AM SO PROUD OF HER????? OMG MY FAVE IS THE BEST IN THE WORLD
— estelle (@waterIemon) June 28, 2020
God i love this woman so much 😭 Beyoncé explains what the, Black Is King about 😍😩❤👑✊🏾 #BlackIsKing pic.twitter.com/fWBNrbUmY1
— Idunakua (@idunakua) June 29, 2020
“The Lion King” was released in July 2019 and went on to become the highest-grossing animated film of all-time. Beyonce voiced the role of Nala, the protagonist Simba’s childhood best friend and love interest. “The Lion King: The Gift” debuted atop Billboard’s U.S. Soundtrack Albums and U.S. Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts upon its release.
“Black is King” will be available to stream on Disney Plus on July 31. Watch the trailer for the film below.
