Beyoncé is riding a heavy storm to debut her new film Black is king available exclusively on Disney plus from July 31st.
It’s a huge storm she is riding because many Africans have accused her of “appropriating culture” – capitalizing of African culture to sell are music and films, but gives nothing in return–this is inspite of the fact we as Africans wear wigs, speak English and foreign clothes (eyes rolling)
On the other side her white fans want the old Beyoncé back, they be like ….
So yep, lots of controversy on just the film trailer- as we count down to July 31st when the movie would be available on Disney plus here is what you need to know…
Black is King is written, directed and executive produced by Beyoncé with Contributions from Ghanaian film maker Blitz Bazawule
She also hired the Black Panther production designer Hannah Bleacher
The movie is filmed as a companion piece for Lion King the gift
It was originally filmed as a companion piece to “The Lion King: The Gift” a soundtrack created to celebrate the breadth and beauty of Black ancestry
Beyoncé believes that the project which started last year will find more meaning at a time when the world is doing some soul searching following the black lives matter movement
African stories are always told with the mindset of slavery (12 years a slave) and the civil rights movement. So Beyoncé is seeking to tell stories of African history and kingdoms that don’t make it to history books
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.
Beyonce
Beyonce’s team extensively studied Africa culture in the making of this film hence a mix of culture and African personalities including Nigeria’s yemi Alade
The movie would see a mix of African cultures including Zulu and some bits of west African culture. Featured appearances in the movie include South African Moon-child sanely, Kelly Rowland, Ghana’s Shatta wale and Nigeria’s yemi Alade
Super easy to miss Yemi Alade in the trailer cut – 0:55
A lot of South African Zulu culture is heavily featured in the movie
Many have lashed out at beyonce calling her a culture vulture- Well, if you enjoyed 12 years a slave without complaining, then enjoy the movie and let a black woman breath.
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