in July 2020, it wasn’t just a visual album; it was a cultural reset. Serving as a companion to her 2019 curated album The Lion King: The Gift
The film is intended to be a celebratory, proud look at the Black experience globally.
| 🎵 | 🎵 Artist(s) / Notes | | :--- | :--- | | 1. insecurity (intro) | Spoken Word | | 2. return to motherland (interlude) | Spoken Word | | 3. BIGGER | Beyoncé | | 4. ancestry (interlude) | Spoken Word | | 5. FIND YOUR WAY BACK | Beyoncé | | 6. choices (interlude) | Spoken Word | | 7. DON'T JEALOUS ME | Tekno, Lord Afrixana, Mr Eazi, Yemi Alade | | 8. SCAR | Jessie Reyez | | 9. live forever (interlude) | Spoken Word | | 10. NILE | Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar | | 11. identity (interlude) | Spoken Word | | 12. MBUBE | Original Version | | 13. diaraby nene (interlude) | Spoken Word | | 14. MOOD 4 EVA | Beyoncé, JAY-Z, Childish Gambino, Oumou Sangaré | | 15. shadow and light (interlude) | Spoken Word | | 16. JA ARA E | Burna Boy | | 17. reflection (interlude) | Spoken Word | | 18. ALREADY | Beyoncé, Shatta Wale, Major Lazer | | 19. coast (interlude) | Spoken Word | | 20. WATER | Salatiel, Pharrell Williams, Beyoncé | | 21. black is king (interlude) | Spoken Word | | 22. BROWN SKIN GIRL | Beyoncé, SAINt JHN, Wizkid, Blue Ivy Carter | | 23. comunity (interlude) | Spoken Word | | 24. KEYS TO THE KINGDOM | Tiwa Savage, Mr Eazi | | 25. revival (interlude) | Spoken Word | | 26. OTHERSIDE | Beyoncé | | 27. divine archetype (interlude) | Spoken Word | | 28. MY POWER | Beyoncé, Nija, Busiswa, Yemi Alade, Tierra Whack, DJ Lag, Moonchild Sanelly | | 29. gratitude (interlude) | Spoken Word | | 30. SPIRIT | Beyoncé – Coral Version | | 31. BLACK PARADE | Beyoncé – Black Is King Version | | 32. MY POWER – RUN THE WORLD (GIRLS) [Remix] | Beyoncé | | 33. BLACK PARADE | Beyoncé – Alternative Version |
The film was made accessible worldwide, airing on platforms like M-Net and Canal+ Afrique in Sub-Saharan Africa and OSN in the Middle East and North Africa, ensuring a wide audience could connect with its message. Beyonce - Black Is King -Deluxe Visual Album- -...
The film highlights the beauty of Black culture, fashion, and art, featuring designers and creatives from Africa and the diaspora.
Initially premiered globally via Disney+ on July 31, 2020, this visual album serves as a companion piece to her curated project, The Lion King: The Gift . Written, directed, and executive produced by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, the film transforms the classic narrative of The Lion King into an epic celebration of Black ancestry, resilience, and global diaspora. Alongside the film's release, Beyoncé dropped the Deluxe Edition of the album, stripping away the cinematic audio interludes and introducing standalone masterpieces like the extended version of "Black Parade" and the MeLo-X remix of "Find Your Way Back". The Vision and Narrative Blueprint
Many critics hailed it as a masterpiece. Reviews described the film as a "visual tour-de-force" and "Beyoncé's most wide-reaching and ambitious effort yet". The Hollywood Reporter called it a "sense-dazzling showcase," particularly praising the song “Brown Skin Girl” for its empowering imagery of Black and brown women. However, some felt the film's storytelling was muddled, with one review noting that the frequent musical performances interrupted the narrative. Another critique from Flood Magazine argued that the film felt less impassioned and lacked the singular, personal vision of Beyoncé's previous work like Lemonade . in July 2020, it wasn’t just a visual
This paper examines the cultural and artistic significance of 2020 visual album, Black Is King , particularly its Deluxe Edition release. Abstract
The film recontextualizes the story of Simba into a broader narrative about the African diaspora.
: The prince travels toward self-discovery, guided by his ancestors and childhood love to reclaim his throne. Cultural Allegory : The plot serves as a metaphor for the African diaspora's journey to discover and reclaim their heritage. insecurity (intro) | Spoken Word | | 2
At its core, Black Is King is an exploration of African identity and culture. The visual album celebrates the richness and diversity of African heritage, from the majestic landscapes of the savannah to the vibrant streets of Lagos. Through her music and visuals, Beyoncé explores themes of black excellence, African diasporic identity, and the power of community.
At its core, "Black Is King" is a celebration of black culture and excellence. The project honors the beauty, resilience, and creativity of black people, highlighting their contributions to art, music, fashion, and more. Through her music and visuals, Beyoncé shines a light on African traditions, Afrofuturism, and the African diaspora, showcasing the complexity and diversity of black experiences.
Dazed: Beyoncé releases her new visual album, Black Is King