It's the 1 Year Anniversary of Black is King!
- Emelah the Blogger
- Aug 1, 2021
- 9 min read
No need to ask, this was a bop.
Musical, 1 hr 25 min, TV-14
Director: Beyoncé
What’s it about? Black Is King is a musical film and visual album directed, written, and executive produced by Beyoncé. The film serves as a visual companion to the 2019 album The Lion King: The Gift, curated by Beyoncé for The Lion King remake.
Beyoncé doesn't disappoint. Some say this is her best project to date.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94% | IMDb Score: 5.7/10 | Metacritic 84%
Why is this a Bop? The release of Black is King was a cultural moment and a must see. It was a love letter to Black people around the globe. Beyoncé's "passion project", was a further elaboration of "I like my baby hair with baby hair and afros, I like my negro nose with Jackson Five nostrils". She took us back to the motherland, giving us an incredible adaption of one of the most iconic stories of all time.
Before rewatching, I felt this unusual angst. I was having a hard time understanding why, until I saw this tweet:
Beyoncé speaks in the language of art. She not only understands the assignment, but she created the assignment. She is not just the professor, but the university. She never comes to play with you hoes!
Her mind and her level of creativity is out of this world and honestly, it was a lot to handle. She topped herself on the visuals, which is not surprising. Cinematography and LOOKS were served throughout this film. Let's get into it!
BIGGER
Due to this video, I will christen my first born on a beach, because, wow, what a magical opening! I need to be on whatever beach that was. Right off the bat, Beyoncé reminded us that we are spiritual beings, and that we are connected to nature.
She narrated, "You are welcome to come home to yourself. Let Black be synonymous with glory." Yes ma'am.
The lyrics are full of affirmations. Here's a few that stood out to me:
If you feel insignificant, you better think again
Not just a speck in the universe
Not just some words in a bible verse,
You are the living word
Her skilled vocal technique was showcased in this song, and the video had such a peaceful aura. The colors of the sky, her dress were all pleasing to the eye.
FIND YOUR WAY BACK
I love that she made a moment out of Simba and Mufasa's bonding scene where they look at the stars and discuss legacy.
Notable lyrics:
Daddy used to tell me, "Look up at the stars It's been a long time, but remember who you are Circle of life, and one day, I might not make it" But you just gotta find your way back Big, big world, but you got it, baby
On a marathon, told me run my race
Beyoncé literally looked like a star as she glimmered against the night sky in several breathtaking fits. Also it was great that Blue Ivy had a lil part. Bey was showcasing them hips! The return of Thickyonce.
This music video is as beautiful visually as it is musically. This song makes me feel safe. Watching this video felt like a glimpse of heaven, the beauty was so out of this world. Also, Bey was sick for that transition to the next song! The harmonies, bitch! It hit different.
DON'T JEALOUS ME/SCAR
This was a fun, upbeat song. This video was a creative way to show Scar's den in human form.
Notable narration: "To lead or be led astray.. Follow your light, or lose it."
I loved Yemi Alade's red outfit, it shook really well with her dancing. Her white laced fit with the hat was pure fire.
Scar was a quick lil song. It served as a good transition from scar's den. I felt the drama as young Simba ran through the woods as dancers contorted their bodies. Warren Masemola, the South African actor who plays human Scar, was effectively eery.
NILE
It was definitely right for Kendrick to be featured on this song, it felt like it could be on DAMN. As far as imagery, the all white theme was a stark contrast to the last images we saw, which kept my mind engaged. Felt like Simba's spiritual awakening.
Notable lyrics:
One time I took a swim in the Nile
I swam the whole way, I didn't turn around
Man, I swear
It made me relax when I came down
Deeper the wounded, deeper the roots
MOOD 4 EVA
This was a great reimagining of "Hakuna Matata". The only white person in this entire film was Bey and Jay's butler, purr.
This video in particular fought the stigma that Africa is a monolith, that it's reduced to huts, and poverty. There is wealth in Africa. Wealth comes from Africa.
Beyoncé found a team of Black aquatic dancers, I love to see it! Further proof that casting directors for other projects are just not working hard enough to hire Black talent.
Bey's cheetah print looks in this was video were some of my faves. All her glasses and hats were statement pieces as well. Jay Z also looked dapper in his drip.
Bey and Jay eating their TV dinner sent me for some reason. Even eating the TV dinner, they were still showing off their wealth.
Other moments I loved:
It was cute watching Folajomi Akinmurele, the young actor playing Simba, rapped along with Jay Z.
The human chess board was a fresh take on duality.
I loved seeing Ms. Tina!
When Bey walked in the club, Sasha Fierce took over!
Overall, this was definitely one of my favorite videos of this project.
JA ARA E
"JA ARA E" was my favorite song on the album. And the way Beyoncé was popping in that limo chile! Please have mercy!
Young Simba grew up, and is getting lit. Grown Simba, played by Nyaniso Dzedze, was having a time in that limo. I enjoyed seeing all the lights and the nightlife.
According to Genius, “Ja Ara E” is a slang phrase used in the Yoruba language spoken principally in the African countries of Nigeria and Benin, which simply translate to "Wise Up”. It is often used to caution an individual not to give in to peer pressure.
The end of this video was terrifying. It sort of reminded me of the subway scene in The Wiz. Even as an adult, Scar is still taunting Simba. The order of this song comes after "DON'T JEALOUS ME" on the album, so placing the video here was an interesting choice. I'm not mad at it.
ALREADY
Instead of "I just can't wait to be king, Beyoncé said, "Long live the king, you a king, you know it. King already, already, you know it". Points were made.
Bey reminded us that Black is King, and it is unfuckwithable. For me, it's the most t'd song on the album. Further, this was easily one of my fave videos of the film. It was fun, litty and made me want to dance.
Beyoncé came with the footwork baby! She kept up with the “blue man,” (played by Stephen “Papi” Ojo, a self-taught 22-year-old Nigerian-born performer) who represents the subconscious of the protagonist prince and the power of African dance.
I adored all the prints and costume design, especially the cow print. I really enjoyed the paralleling of her twirling in the golden circle with the car racing. I lived for the shot where all the men are in purple toned suits jumping in the air. Finally, seeing the Pan African flag along with other flags of African countries was a beautiful sight.
Notable narration:
"Remember who you are"
"I can't call myself a child of God and not see myself as a god"
"The coast belongs to our ancestors"
WATER
Bey was really stunting in this one. In one shot, she had hair longer than Rapunzel. She was one with the river in more ways than one. IKDR. There were colors galore.
This video had some of my favorite looks from Bey, notably the satin pink look with the basket in the water and the fit where she looked like The Rainbow Fish. Princess Nala, played by Nandi Madida, also looked gorgeous in her pink fit riding the horse.
Every look could be in a magazine! And the movement of these looks - genius. They flowed just like the water. There were also more traditional African fits and culture represented here.
Notable narration:
"Water signifies the ability to be reborn."
"Black men, especially, we're told not to love ourselves. We're told, I'm supposed to hate you. The world will always tell you that you're something else. That you're too dark, too short, whatever. We need to show Black men and women are emotional, are strong, are smart, intuitive."
"We have always been wonderful. I see us reflected in the world's most heavenly things. Black is king. We were beauty before they knew what beauty was."
BROWN SKIN GIRL
It was so beautiful to finally have a song dedicated to those who wouldn't get casted in a Kenya Barris Production. I cried when I watched the video. Seeing Bey sing to Kelly, I couldn't help but lose it. We also were graced by Blue, Tina, Rumi, Lupita, Naomi, and Adut!
Beyoncé compared our skin to pearls and diamonds. She told us that she loved our nappy curls! More lyrics I loved:
Brown skin girl
Your skin just like pearls
The best thing in the world
Never trade you for anybody else
Your skin is not only dark, it shines and it tells your story
Keep dancin', they can't control you
They watchin', they all adore you
Though Beyoncé is light skinned, she still recognized the importance of darker girls having an anthem. There were many different brown skinned girls in this video: albino girls, girls who wore hijabs, girls with short hair, long hair, no hair, braids, curls and weaves. Love to see it.
KEYS TO THE KINGDOM
This song and video makes me happy. The concept was simple: just people living life, enjoying it, and dancing. In addition, there was a wedding between Nala and Simba! We could feel the love tonight.
Side note, I loved Nala's short, pink hair. A hairstyle for bad bitches only.
Notable lyrics:
You're the key to the kingdom
see eyes may not see, the greatness inside you, that lies within
oya come sit pon your throne,
you know you no go stay down for long
whenever in doubt and alone,
just remember your the king inna kingdom
OTHERSIDE
Bey got biblical and gave us the beggining of the Prince of Egypt. She sent the baby away and then met him on the other side. It was very beautiful. It was kind of sad, like a funeral or transition song. Bey really sang in this one, connecting to the spiritual again.
Notable lyrics:
If the storm comes, if we burn up
If the wells run dry
You're my reason to believe in
Another life
If we wake up, lose our patience Or even lose our lives, oh I feel lucky to say that you've been A friend of mine
Best believe me, you will see me On the other side
Mababu Katika Mawingu
Notable narration:
"Our elders are tired"
"To God, we belong, to God we return"
Genius notes that “Mababu Katika Mawingu” is of the Kiswahili languate, spoken in Tanzania (where the Lion King movie is based), as well as other neighboring countries. The phrase means “Grandfathers among the clouds”, referring to when Mufasa told Simba that if he ever needed to speak to the former kings to look up to the stars because that’s where they all lie.
MY POWER
In this video, scar is defeated! Stunning uses of color and culture as Bey brings the heat for this climax. Lots of girl power here, and Blue Ivy again :) She really came out of her shell on this one.
Notable lyrics:
They'll never take my power
They feel a way, oh wow
SPIRT
For the finale, Bey took us to church. She really embodies the circle of life, and brought back themes from "BIGGER" but more grandiose than before. Beyoncé personifies mother nature, and ends with a bang.
A GIFT INDEED
This film was literally the most beautiful work I've seen. Beyoncé reiterated the fact that Africa is a vast continent with many cultures and luxuries, and most importantly, the world's birthplace.
It was also refreshing that Bey was not at the forefront of the entire film. She occasionally took a step back and let others shine, and gave us a fusion of American and African stars. She explained her vision in an Instagram post:
"With this visual album, 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. I spent a lot of time exploring and absorbing the lessons of past generations and the rich history of different African customs."
"I only hope that from watching, you leave feeling inspired to continue building a legacy that impacts the world in an immeasurable way. I pray that everyone sees the beauty and resilience of our people."
Different African cultures represented in this film, though some criticized there were not enough. Africa is the world's second largest continent, with 54 countries. It would be impossible to represent them all. However, Beyoncé was influenced by the cultures of a few African countries across the continent. An article from Variety explains some of the culturally specific imagery here. Another article by Insider breaks her looks down further.
Beyoncé's work ethic is like no other. I can only imagine how many hours she spent working on this film, from the preproduction and conceptualizing to the research and location scouting, to the filming and editing process.
I would love if she released a documentary on the making and behind the scenes of this project. I know she worked so hard.
However, I do have two critiques:
I'm not sure why it was rated TV-14 (which is not Bey's fault). That feels anti-black. It should be rated PG.
Why was the film only dedicated to Sir and not Rumi?
Lastly, I am disappointed that this film didn't get enough buzz in the last award season. It did win the Art Directors Guild award for Excellence in Production Design and was nominated for an NAACP award and a Grammy. That's still not enough.
Still, I know Bey didn't do this for the recognition. She did it for us, and for that I'll always be grateful.
Black is King is streaming on Disney Plus.
Emelah’s Score: 🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿
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