Points of Entry and Making Meaning through Beyoncé's Black Is King
Still from Black is King
Towards the end of June 2020; a month that seemed to last six, due to the saturation of our social media feeds with protests and imagery of Black folk who had lost their lives due to systemic injustices, we saw snippets from Beyoncé’s Black Is King, a visual album which accompanied the 2019 soundtrack The Gift from the live-action remake of Disney Classic, The Lion King. The internet was polarised with many providing good grounding on both sides and in between for their reasoning and on Friday 31 July 2020, the highly anticipated visual album was released on the Disney Plus platform with people finally being able to offer a full critique. As a British-Nigerian I acknowledge the complex interplay between diaspora experiences and continental African realities. This visual album arrived at a pivotal moment in global discourse on Black lives and representation.
The aesthetic appeal of "Black Is King" is undeniable. Its lush visuals and carefully curated imagery present an Africa that stands in stark contrast to the often reductive portrayals we've grown accustomed to in Western media. As someone who navigates the liminal space of diaspora identity, I find myself both captivated and conflicted by Beyoncé's vision.
The opening narration, "Everything you see exists in a delicate balance," resonates deeply with the constant negotiation of cultural identity that many of us in the diaspora experience. This balance, or lack thereof, has been at the center of discussions surrounding the authenticity and intentions of "Black Is King".
The visual dialogue between "Black Is King" and contemporary African pop culture is evident throughout the film. In "Find Your Way Back," there's a clear nod to Tiwa Savage's "49:99" music video, directed by Meji Alabi, who also worked on "Black Is King." This intertextuality extends beyond mere aesthetics, speaking to a broader conversation about the global influence of African artistry.
"Brown Skin Girl" offers a heartwarming celebration of Black womanhood and sisterhood. The scenes shared between Kelly Rowland and Beyoncé evoke the joys of female friendship while simultaneously mirroring the unconditional love often seen in mother-daughter relationships. This representation of Black women's bonds feels particularly poignant in a media landscape that often pits women against each other.
In "Keys to the Kingdom," Tiwa Savage is situated in front of Nigeria's national stadium, a choice that connects multiple threads of cultural significance. In 1997, this stadium was where Fela Kuti, a revolutionary and pioneer of Afrobeat, lay in state, with up to a million Nigerians paying their respects. Savage, like many contemporary Nigerian artists such as Burna Boy and Wizkid (who also feature in "Black Is King"), cites Kuti as a major influence. This musical lineage is further emphasized by Jay-Z's involvement in the Broadway musical "Fela!" and his reference to Kuti in "Mood 4 Eva".
The inclusion of artists like Shatta Wale, Yemi Alade, Busiswa, and Mr Eazi not only adds authenticity to the project but also serves as a bridge between the diaspora and continental African music scenes. Their presence underscores the global reach and influence of African music, particularly the Afrobeats genre[2][3].
However, it's crucial to acknowledge the debates surrounding "Black Is King's" representation of Africa. While the film presents a visually stunning and empowering narrative, some critics argue that it homogenizes diverse African cultures and potentially reinforces a romanticized, ahistorical view of the continent. As a diasporan, I find myself grappling with these critiques, recognizing both the power of positive representation and the importance of nuanced, culturally specific portrayals[4][5].
The discourse around "Black Is King" on social media platforms like Twitter has been particularly illuminating, highlighting the different perspectives of continental Africans, African Americans, and first-generation diasporans. These conversations reveal the complexities of Black identity and the ongoing negotiations between various Black communities globally.
In conclusion, "Black Is King" stands as a significant cultural artifact that both celebrates and complicates notions of Black identity and African heritage. As a visual album, it succeeds in creating a stunning aesthetic experience that challenges prevailing negative stereotypes about Africa. However, its broader impact on discussions of cultural authenticity, diaspora experiences, and the representation of Africa in global media cannot be overlooked.
The project invites us to consider how we can create art that honors our heritage while acknowledging the complexities of modern Black identities. It challenges us to think critically about representation, to question who has the right to tell certain stories, and to consider how we can bridge the gaps between various Black communities worldwide.
Ultimately, "Black Is King" serves as a starting point for deeper conversations about identity, belonging, and the power of visual storytelling in shaping cultural narratives. As we continue to navigate these complex waters of representation and authenticity, works like this remind us of the importance of creating spaces where multiple voices and perspectives can coexist and dialogue with one another.