“A story of how sidelined and broken people represent an extraordinary gift and a proposition for the future”. These are the words of Disney to tell the genesis of "Black Is King". Posted on the platform of the mouse with the big ears on July 31, this 95-minute UFO to the glory of Beyoncé (Editor's note: who is a director, co-writer, producer, sorry)the video bears no resemblance to the "Lion King" fable, despite its title. Even if from time to time, the spectator discovers nods to the famous cartoon of the firm, which has become a film entirely produced in digital, last year. This presentation of his album "The Lion King: The Gift" is, in the words of the star, a "love letter to Africa" which aims "to reformulate the teachings of the Lion King for young people. kings and queens of today in search of their own crowns ”.
The project, particularly sharp in its imagery, turns out to be above all political, although the main interested party is defending itself from any opportunism, in view of the post George Floyd context and the Black Live Matters movement. The events of 2020 made the message and the point of view of the film even more relevant, "since people all around the world are embarking on this journey that will remain historic," Beyoncé defended on her Instagram account.
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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
A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on Jun 28, 2020 at 8:06 pm PDT
Three things not to miss in this whirlwind of visual universes, each crazier than the next.
His children almost steal the show. If the American star had already shown the face of his 8-year-old daughter Blue Ivy, never has she been so in majesty. The one who looks like two drops of water like her daddy Jay-Z now goes a step further by dancing next to her mother several times, dressed like her. With his presence as a budding star, his gaze repeatedly defying the camera, hard not to be stunned by his ease and his performances, in particular on the song “Brown skin girl”, an ode to women. But that's not all. For the first time, alongside the first circleof the singer (Editor's note: from her mother Tina Knowles to singer Kelly Rowland, whom she considers a sister) , fans discover the faces of her twins. Si Rumi, the little girl only appears once in the picture, her son Sir, shows his little face for the first time. The film, at the end, is even dedicated to him. A wink accompanied by images of family videos.
A fashion show as rarely seen. Beyond the aestheticism of "Black Is King", conceived as a giant clip, it is an ode to Beyoncé's styles which will delight fans of the singer. No one could imagine that "Queen Bey" was going to show off with so many looks. A real fashion show, sometimes haute couture, which highlights the vitality of African designers.
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A festival of looks designed by Zerina Akers, who delivered a titanic job. On the screen, a duo of multicolored outfits signed by the house Thierry Mugler, a set with cow motifs by Riccardo Tisci for Burberry's, or a sports outfit by Marine Serre, a Parisian designer. The most representative piece of the film, a sequined leopard ensemble, was created by Valentino.
The cream of African musicians and… Pharrell Williams. From the trailer of the project, Beyoncé had set the tone. With the excerpt from the track "Already", the American star highlighted a dancehall singer (variant of reggae), originally from Ghana, Shatta Wale. A foretaste of a long list of African artists present in the image, like the Nigerians Wizkid (Editor's note: who has already had the honors of Drake) and Yemi Eberechi Alade but also the tornado Mr Eazi, are all in the credits . On the stars side, Pharrell Williams, but also Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o and model Naomi Campbell are also featured.