Beyoncé’s Black Is King is debuting on Disney+ today. It’s a visual album in which Beyoncé “reimagines the lessons of “The Lion King for today’s young kings and queen’s in search of their own crown. The voyages of Black families throughout time are honored in a tale about a young king’s transcendent journey through betrayal, love, and self-identity.”
This one hour and 25 minutes visual feast is described as:
The voyages of Black families, throughout time, are honored in a tale about 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. These timeless lessons are revealed and reflected through Black voices of today, now sitting in their own power. “Black Is King” is an affirmation of a grand purpose, with lush visuals that celebrate Black resilience and culture. The film highlights the beauty of tradition and Black excellence. Based on the music of “The Lion King: The Gift,” and starring the album’s featured artists and some special guest appearances, “Black Is King” is a celebratory memoir for the world on the Black experience. Videos for “My Power,” “Mood 4 Eva,” and “Brown Skin Girl” are extravagances of elegance and soul. The film is a story for the ages that informs and rebuilds the present. 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.
IMDB lists the cast as including Adut Akech, Yemi Alade, Beyoncé, Naomi Campbell, Blue Ivy Carter, Connie Chiume, Aweng Chuol, Nyaniso Dzedze, Nadi Fadina, Nandi Madida, Tina Knowles-Lawson, Warren Masemola, JD McCrary,
Jessie Reyez, Kelly Rowland, Mary Twala, Shatta Wale, and Pharrell Williams. It was written by, directed, and produced by Beyoncé.
You can see the trailer for it here.
I’ve got it playing on my office TV as I work this morning, and I have to keep stopping what I am doing to watch it because the music and spoken word parts are excellent, and the visuals are colorful and simply stunning; The message is fantastic, and I thought you all might enjoy it, too. You can experience it all on Disney+.