Last month, Beyonce teased us with snippets from her much-awaited visual album “Black is King”. Finally, the official trailer is here. The film which centers on celebrating black history, heritage, and culture is inspired by Beyonce’s “Lion King – The Gift” album. In that album, she featured several African artists including Burna Boy, Tekno, and also, Yemi Alade.
The film is written, directed, and executive-produced by Beyoncé herself. It would premiere July 31 via Disney+.
Meanwhile, the release of the first teaser sparked off a wave of dissenting opinions on social media as to how Africa was stereotypically portrayed in the visual album.
See some of the comments at that time
Black americans have created for themselves an “africa” that is this wierd homogeneous exotic fantasy. It is infact a seperate mythical country with no resemblance to any real country in the real Africa. https://t.co/orMjwAd3gZ
— Hypernova&Stardust (@k_omowamiwa) June 28, 2020
Can Africans just be portrayed as like…normal human beings? Like go shops, watch a film, eat some food, complain about rent prices, complain about their boss? Everyday spiritual ritual and ancient ancestors showing them their royal blood, CHILL. https://t.co/ypqwIPOVHW
— Scully (@isthatscully) June 28, 2020
“Would a Zamunda without its prosperity or a Wakanda without the technological advancements of vibranium be of much interest to African-American audiences?” https://t.co/kY28YLmJuf
— James Òmò-Ojo (@jamosa21) June 29, 2020
Why does Beyoncé need to create a mythical and very wakanda like idea of Africa? Please stop selling the idea of that Africa is some lost continent and just accept that it’s actually a place with a history and diversity many are too lazy to bother learning.
— Nimco Ali (OB-fanny-E) 🔻 (@NimkoAli) June 29, 2020
Also reads:
-Beyonce’s New Short Film “Black Is King” Will Address Racism And Social Injustice
-Beyoncé Brought Sick Rap Bars To The Remix Of Megan Thee Stallion’s “Savage”
-AP’s Top 25 Songs Of The Decade: Davido, Beyoncé Make The List
The official trailer shows special appearances from Jay Z, Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, Naomi Campbell, Yemi Alade, Adut Akech, Tina-Knowles Lawson, and others.
.“You were formed by the heat of the galaxy. What a thing to be, both unique and familiar, to be one and the same — and still unlike any other,” Beyoncé is heard saying in one of the clips. “Life is a set of choices: Lead, or be led astray. “Follow your light — or lose it.”
The film which the superstar singer describes a “labor of love” has been in production for more than a year now. It follows the story of a young king’s journey through life; battling hardships and betrayals as his ancestors lead him to his greatness.
Watch the trailer below
For your daily dose of tech, lifestyle, and trending content, make sure to follow Plat4om on Twitter @Plat4omLive, on Instagram @Plat4om, on LinkedIn at Plat4om, and on Facebook at Plat4om. You can also email us at info@techtalkwithtdafrica.com and join our channel on Telegram at Plat4om. Finally, don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE.