This archive report was first published on 11 July 2019.
On July 19, 2019, the soundtrack for Disney's The Lion King movie will be released, featuring a song called 'Spirit' by Beyonce. The song, which she co-wrote with IIya Salmanzadeh and Timothy McKenzie, includes lyrics in Kiswahili.
The lyrics, which praise the king of the jungle, are a key part of the song's appeal. As Beyonce said in a statement, 'It was important that the music was not only performed by the most interesting and talented artists but also produced by the best African producers. Authenticity and heart were important to me.'
The song 'Spirit' has an inspirational theme and features African beats. The lyrics include the phrase 'Uishi kwa mda mrefu mfalme' or 'long live the king.'
Disney described the new album as 'featuring global artists & steeped in the sounds of Africa' in a tweet that included an image of Beyonce with her character Nala.
The Lion King movie, which also stars James Earl Jones, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Billy Eichner, Seth Rogen, Alfre Woodard, and John Oliver, is the hottest ticket of the summer.
