This archive report was first published on 17 July 2019.
July 17, 2019
East African musicians have reacted with disappointment to Beyoncé's new album, Lion King, which features mostly West African artists.
The album draws inspiration from the Lion King movie, which is set in East Africa, specifically Kenya and Tanzania.
Polycarp Otieno, Sauti Sol's guitarist, expressed his disappointment, stating, 'This is The Lion King 'New Africa' Album with soundtracks of the new Lion King Movie. For a movie who's concept is fully based on the Kenyan/Tanzanian scenery, use of Swahili phrases and references, you would think they would at least consider artists from this region and not focus on artists from one country/region.'
Vanessa Mdee from Tanzania also shared her sentiments, saying, 'Hii kitu ni biashara poly, na waPopo wako na interests zao. Wote wanajua filamu iko set in East Africa na kihalali tungestahili kupata kanafasi, lakini hatuna wanaotuwakilisha huko kwa maExec wa Disney au kwa team ya Beyoncé.'
Other celebrities, including Jahmbi Koikai, Willis Raburu, Dr Ofweneke, DNG Kenya, and Bien Aime, also shared their thoughts on the matter.
