On June 28 singer/songwriter Beyoncé announced to the world via an Instagram post that she was releasing a new visual musical album with Disney Plus entitled “Black Is King.” It was inspired by Disney’s “The Lion King” and was originally planned to be a joint project to the artist’s previous album “The Gift” that she released last year with Disney’s live-action adaptation to the 1994 animated classic.
In her post, she explained that the album had evolved into a passion project that she had been working on for over a year and that she had “spent a lot of time exploring and absorbing the lessons of past generations and the rich history of different African customs.”
“Black Is King” premiered on Disney Plus on July 31 following the trailer that was released earlier that month. The film is an explosion of visuals, music and spoken word that follows the storyline of “The Lion King” with a modern and rich retelling.
The premise follows a young prince from an unidentified African country who is banished from his home after his father dies and loses himself and his culture in the pleasures of the world around him. He is led back to his rightful place by the spirit of his ancestors (played by Beyoncé), his conscience and his true love from childhood.
The music of the film was inspired by different African countries around the continent as well as the choreography, sets, costuming and casting. “Black Is King” doesn’t represent just one country in Africa but fuses every country into one. Not only are the visuals striking, but the themes carried throughout the film are seamlessly woven as well. It depicts and addresses colonization, Black masculinity and femininity, stereotypes, and the beauty of community.
The film and album were met with critical success by critics and fans alike who praised Beyoncé’s vision and theme for the film.
It was also met with some controversy by those who claimed that the film and title were racist, and the contents were “too political for Disney Plus.” These arguments, in my opinion, do not hold up at all seeing that the film never once mentions or degrades any other race or culture but merely celebrates Black culture and its origins while taking the viewer on an interactive journey. Such criticism seems to stem from discomfort rather than concerns about racism or political content.
I loved the film and its depiction of African culture. Being a first-generation child of two parents who are from Uganda, I have a strong connection to my roots, and I have often been disappointed by the continual poor portrayal of African culture in Western media.
The release of “Black Is King” was a defining moment. It smashes the stereotypical view of what it means to come from Africa, instead celebrating African culture without elevating it above others. It is a film that explores heritage, legacy, and finding the royalty in your past. Hence the name, “Black Is King” doesn’t mean Black is better, but rather Black is royalty, and the film intentionally reclaims that part of our past.
“Black Is King,” while artistically amazing, is by no means the only Afro-inspired work of art that matters, but it is important because it opens the doors to those who would never explore African music on the regular through a well known name like Beyoncé’s. The film actively features African musicians, dancers, and artists who now have a global spotlight. Many of my friends have now been enthusiastically exploring these artists and their music because they enjoyed the film so much.
All in all, this film is not just for Black people. Although it has made us proud and heard. I have watched it multiple times over the summer with so many friends of every different color and background. It’s for everyone who loves inspired music and wants to explore a beautifully crafted world and story while learning about a past they may have not known before.