Beyonce teases new visual album trailer, ‘Black Is King’

Beyonce surely isn’t called Queen Bey for nothing. The Beyhive has been buzzing with excitement ever since the Lemonade singer surprised fans yet again. The songstress revealed the trailer of her new visual album, “Black is King”. The news comes almost a week after the release of her new song, “Black Parade” in honor of Juneteenth. “Black Is King” is Beyonce’s first directorial venture since her 2019 Netflix documentary film “Homecoming.” The visual album will premiere globally on the streaming service, Disney+ on the 31st of July, 2020. The trailer also marks the 1 year anniversary of the Disney’s theatrical remake of “The Lion King.” Beyonce voiced the character of Nala.

Featured artists

Beyonce is excited to release her new visual album, which she wrote, directed and executive produced. The album features various artists and special guest appearances. It boasts big names such as the likes of Childish Gambino, Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell, 070 Shake, Tierra Whack, Jessie Reyez. Her husband Jay-Z and daughter Blue Ivy Carter are also a part of the project. African artists like Wizkid, Shatta Wale, Burna Boy, Mr Eazi, Tiwa Savage, Tekno, Yemi Alade, Busiswa and Salatiel round it up.

The film, which has reportedly been in production for over a year, follows a young king’s journey “through betrayal, love, and self-identity.” The trailer shows a majestic Beyonce on horseback as she narrates, “The journey is a gift, the ancestors never left you.”

Queen Bey blessed fans with a minute long teaser on Saturday night. The trailer “reimagines the lessons of The Lion King for today’s young kings and queens in search of their own crowns.” A press release elaborated.

Bey’s Instagram message

The trailer also premiered during the BET Awards. Beyonce took to Instagram to share how she felt while watching the trailer with her loved ones. Queen Bey who is known to say little on social media, had a lengthy caption for a change. Beyonce seemed visibly excited as she talked about how this project had her heart and soul.

“Black Is King” is a labor of love. It is my passion project that I have been filming, researching and editing day and night for the past year. I’ve given it my all and now it’s yours.”

The visual album was initially supposed to be a companion piece to The Lion King: The Gift soundtrack. However, fate had other plans. A year later, the singer believes that all that hard work was meant for a greater purpose.

BLM movement

“The events of 2020 have made the film’s vision and message even more relevant, as people across the world embark on a historic journey. We are all in search of safety and light. Many of us want change.” This is in reference to the unfortunate demise of George Floyd, a black man who was killed at the hands of an MPD officer. The event enraged people all over the world and reignited the Black lives matter movement. The movement has birthed many protests, called out racist behavior and brought celebrities together. #BLM has not only dominated national headlines but also gained further international attention.

“We can shift the axis of the world. Tell our REAL history of generational wealth and richness of soul that are not told in our history books. I wanted to present elements of Black history and African tradition. With a modern twist and a universal message. What it truly means to find your self-identity and build a legacy.”

The Formation singer revealed that during the making of the film, there were many times when she felt increasingly overwhelmed. But she persevered, as the most important thing was, “to create a film that instills pride and knowledge.” Beyonce hopes that her film inspires her viewers to build legacies that impact the world in an immeasurable way.

This experience has been an affirmation of a grander purpose.

The singer concluded her message by thanking everybody who made the film happen. “This is a story of how the people left MOST BROKEN have EXTRAORDINARY gifts.❤️✊???? Thank you to Blitz, Emmanuel, Ibra, Jenn, Pierre, Dikayl, Kwasi and all the brilliant creatives. Thank you to all at Disney for giving this Black woman the opportunity to tell this story. This experience has been an affirmation of a grander purpose. My only goal is that you watch it with your family and that it gives you pride.” Signing off the personal message to her fans with, “ Love y’all, B.”

‘A story for the ages’

Disney and Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment mentioned in an announcement, “Black Is King is a celebratory memoir for the world on the Black experience.” Described as ‘a story for the ages’, this story informs and rebuilds the present. “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,” the statement read.