This archive report was first published on 25 July 2019.
Kenyan artistes are reeling in disappointment after being left out of Beyonce's Lion King soundtrack, released in July 2019. The movie's storyline, inspired by African culture, has sparked debate over the lack of representation from Kenyan artists.
Many Kenyans felt that since the movie's storyline is based on African culture, at least one Kenyan artist should have been featured in the album to add a personal touch. The Lion King uses the famous Swahili phrase 'Hakuna Matata,' popularized by John Katana of The Mushroom Band in their song 'Jambo Bwana.'
John Katana has been fighting to gain copyright of the phrase after Disney took ownership of 'Hakuna Matata' last year. He expressed his puzzlement that not one Kenyan artist made the cut on the soundtrack.
Several Kenyans have suggested that Sauti Sol would have been perfect for the album. Bien from Sauti Sol shared his sentiments on the issue, stating that Beyonce was doing an afrobeat-inspired album and Kenyans do not make afrobeat music. He suggested that if Beyonce wanted a bega-inspired album, Kenya would be the place to be.
When asked about the Lion King soundtrack, Bien referenced Beyonce's previous album 'The Gift,' which she described as a love letter to Africa. Beyonce stated, 'This soundtrack is a love letter to Africa, and I wanted to make sure we found the best talent from Africa, and not just use some of the sounds and did my interpretation of it.'
Tanzanian artist Diamond Platnumz also expressed his concerns, suggesting that Kenyan artistes should stop feeling marginalized and focus on making hits. He advised, 'Guys should just sing and make hits. It will eventually get to Beyonce but you need to work as an industry.'
Hopefully, this will encourage Kenyan artistes to work together to push the Kenyan name out there.
