New music from Beyoncé is always incredible, but a visual album inspired by The Lion King? Even better. Beyoncé’s Black is King is set to release for Disney+ on July 31. This news comes after the singer released the song "Black Parade" for Juneteenth.
This new visual album, which is written, directed, and produced by Beyoncé herself, is based off of music from The Lion King: The Gift,released last year as a complement to the live-action adaptation of Disney’s film. Beyoncé voiced the character Nala in this adaptation. According to statement from Disney and Parkwood Entertainment shared by Teen Vogue, the visual album, “is an affirmation of a grand purpose, with lush visuals that celebrate Black resilience and culture.” Parkwood Entertainment also added that“the visual album from Beyoncé reimagines the lessons of The Lion King for today’s young kings and queens in search of their own crowns.”
Walt Disney Studios released a minute-long trailer for the album, featuring visuals of Africa and African culture, as well as shots of Beyoncé holding her son.
In an Instagram post, Beyoncé called the album her “labor of love,” explaing that she worked on the album for a year. “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,” she wrote in the caption.
With everything going on in the world right now, Beyoncé’s new album could not come at a better time. While the visuals for the album are — no surprise — absolutely stunning, the stories also celebrate Black lives and culture, which is so important in a time when many Black people feel as though they are struggling for their voices to be heard. Amidst the ongoing police brutality and systemic racism that continues to plague the U.S., Black Is King offers a glimpse into the beauty that, as Beyoncé wrote in her post, “instill pride and knowledge” into lives.
