This archive report was first published on 21 July 2019.
July 21, 2019, marked the release of Beyoncé's highly anticipated album, The Lion King: The Gift, which she produced and curated. The album boasts an impressive tracklist featuring African stars such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Shatta Wale, alongside songs from Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, Childish Gambino, and Pharrell.
Describing the album as a 'love letter to Africa', Beyoncé expressed her desire to 'make sure we found the best talent from Africa'. The album includes Beyoncé's previously released single, Spirit, which opens with Swahili lyrics, setting the tone for the album's African-inspired sound.
Already, a collaboration between Beyoncé and dancehall star Shatta Wale, has generated significant buzz in Ghana, with the hashtag #ShattawaleBeyonceAlready trending on Twitter. Some have even praised Beyoncé for sounding 'like a real Ghanaian', a testament to her dedication to authenticity in her music.
However, the album has not been without its critics. In East Africa, some have expressed disappointment that a Swahili-speaking performer was not included, particularly given the numerous Swahili references in the film Lion King, which was released on Friday.
The Star reported on the album's release, highlighting Beyoncé's commitment to showcasing the beauty of African music.
