Africa is known for being the birthplace of life on this Earth. It is a land the world has continuously taken from throughout time. The Gold, the oil, the Diamonds, and even the people have been ripped from the Motherland. The results of such nonstop tragedy give off a false appearance of a poverty-stricken land which is the furthest thing from the truth.
Africa is rich in culture, history, and resources. In the visual album
Black is King Beyoncé brings to light the Beauty of Africa by telling the spiritual ancestral version of the journey of a King which in return helps shift the paradigm on what Africa truly is and its contribution to the World.
Beyoncé tells the story of Black is King through the usage of high fashion, poetry, African Artists, and African Mythology. In the beginning of the film we are introduced to a young Black King who is about to embark on a Journey that has ties to the Circle of Life. The Young King interacts with an individual who is either his father or an elder before he embarks on his journey. During this segment special emphasis are placed on the importance of balance and how it is a vital part of the Circle of Life. The young King learns about where his place is in this Circle and the importance of always maintaining it.
One of the first areas of interest upon initially watching Black is King is the extraordinary fashion that is depicted throughout the entire film.
The fashion curator of the project was Zerina Akers who played a huge role in the 60+ looks that Beyoncé wore throughout the visual album.
One signature accessory that stood out to me was the various types of Sunglasses that Beyoncé wore. From the body paint, to the bling, to the African inspired hairstyles Beyoncé’s switch up game was strong throughout the entire film. There was literally no two looks that came close to one another.
Throughout the visual album you hear audio from The Lion King movie along with poetry interwoven in between each song. The poetry depicted in the film is by Warsan Shire and Ysra Daley-Ward. Warsan also had poetry featured throughout The Lemonade visual album.
Lines such as “Let Black be synonymous with Glory” highlights the significance of Blackness and what it means throughout the film.
It also places emphasis on leveling out Blackness and equating it to its true value.
One of the great things about this project is simply the music that was created in honor of the story known as The Lion King. Beyoncé collaborated with African Artist such as Tekno, Lord Afrixana, Mr Eazi, Yemi Aladai, Salatiel, Saint Jhn, Tiwa Savage, and Saint Jhn. This collaboration gave the artist additional exposure. There is no way to tell the story of Africa without utilizing the native musicians of the land.
Beyoncé leverages African Mythology to assist with the journey that the King is embarking on. During the Mood 4 Eva video, there’s a quick scene where Beyoncé can be seen reading a book entitled Black Gods and Kings.
Throughout Black is King Beyoncé is depicted many times in the form of an African God/Goddesses more specifically a Yoruba Orisha. These characters each play a role in the journey of the King throughout the film.
Obatala- Deity of humankind, spiritual purity and moral uprightness
Yemoja- Mother of all Orishas, giver of life
Oshun- God of fertility, love, and sensuality
Obba- Goddess of Domesticity and Marriage
Oshumare- God of direct movement
Black Is King is truly a phenomenal masterpiece that eloquently depicts the journey of our Black Kings. Beyoncé was able to take the story line of The Lion King and adjust the narrative to tell a story that effectively honored the ancestors and the beauty of Africa. The Circle of Life is one that is never ending and to adequately complete the journey you need the guidance of the elders and ancestors. Through the completion of this journey we truly know that BLACK IS KING.
Remember To Always Be
Fierce and Fabulous
xoxo Lela Victoria
