Black Is King Is The Joy We Need In 2020

There’s been nothing easy about 2020 with the unpredictability of a pandemic, scandalous politics, everchanging headlines, and heartbreaking stories of racism that never seem to give pause. While it’s not always easy being creative when the world seems so unstable we’re thankful that despite the impossible obstacles that this year has brought, artists around the world have still managed to put amazing bodies of work out and Beyoncé is no exception.

The Grammy award-winning artist released her visual album with Disney titled “Black is King” and it did not disappoint. Black is King is certainly timely given the state of the world and had been in post-production for months before it was released. Black is King is the celebration of “the breadth and beauty of Black ancestry” as Beyoncé worded so beautifully in an Instagram post announcing the release. It follows a young African boy’s journey around the world as he discovers who he is diving deep into his black history, African traditions, narrated by Beyoncé. 

As he makes his trips around the world from England to Belgium, New York to Los Angeles, South Africa to West Africa you can’t help but be in awe of how aesthetically powerful the entire film is. Every shot is over-the-top, pulling you in so much that it’s impossible to look away from the screen in fear that you may miss something. Cultural messages are conveyed not only through the music but on every set and in every piece of clothing which Beyoncé who wrote, directed and executive produced the project mad sure of. Each fashion moment was curated by her stylist and costume designer Zerina Akers and features everything from well-known European labels to independent African brands. Not one look disappoints. 

The well thought out scenes exemplify Beyoncé’s mission as an artist and CEO over the past four years where she has honored the significance of black history, black talent and black creativity. She speaks specifically to black women in Brown Skin Girls when the likes of Naomi Campbell, Lupita  Nyong'o, Kelly Rowland and more shine on the screen in vibrant colors and looks. Many young black girls and black boys will be able to seem themselves in a new light for the first time thanks to Queen Bey and we couldn’t be more grateful. 

"I believe that when Black people tell our own stories, we can shift the axis of the world and tell our REAL history of generational wealth and richness of soul that are not told in our history books.” -Beyoncé 

Amen.