Beyoncé’s Black is King Album: See the Amazing Nigerian Stars Featured
The global reception that heralded Beyonce’s new musical film and visual album have been phenomenal. The album, a visual companion to the soundtrack of Disney’s 2019 remake of The Lion King tells the story of a young African king who embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
In an interview with Good Morning America, Beyoncé described the soundtrack as a “Love letter to Africa”. This beautiful love is displayed in every aspect of the visual album, including the choice of artists. The album was filmed in various locations including the US, UK, Belgium, Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa. Beyoncé partnered with talents in each destination.
According to Beyoncé, through the Black is King album, she presents elements of Black history and African traditions with a modern twist. It is a universal message and what it truly means to find your self-identity and build a legacy. The goal of the project is to show that “Black is regal and rich in history, in purpose and in lineage.
Not surprising in the least, Nigerians are part of this awe-inspiring project. As we know, there is no African project without Nigerians. We are awesome like that. The Beyonce’s Black is King album featured selected Nigerian artistes across music, dance, stage, and film. The Nigerian music stars featured are Wizkid, Burna Boy, Mr. Eazi, Tekno, Yemi Alade, and Tiwa Savage.
Other Nigerian features in the Black is King album include Folajomi ‘FJ’ Akinmurele who played the role of the young African king in the visual, Mojisola Odegbami; a 69 years old grandmother who got cast in the visual while on a medical trip to California in July 2019, Stephen Ojo popularly known as Papi Joe; a 22-year-old Nigerian-born dancer, musician, model and actor who has also worked with Janet Jackson, Wizkid, Rihanna, Teyana Taylor and most recently Beyoncé.
The album also featured Love Divine Ike who is popularly known as Picture Kodak, a Nigerian model, and a professional dancer who sadly passed before the visual was released.
The Nigerian features are a testament to the growth and recognition of our dance, music, stage, and film stars on the global stage. We are super pleased and assured of greater successes in the future of the entertainment industry in Nigeria. We are proud of our Stars, keep soaring.
Beyoncé’s Black is King Album: See the Amazing Nigerian Stars Featured