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Black Is King 2020
Black Is King is a 2020 American musical film co-written, executive produced, and directed by Beyoncé. It serves as a visual companion to the 2019 album The Lion King: The Gift, curated by Beyoncé for the film The Lion King (2019).
The narrative follows a young African prince (Folajomi Akinmurele) who is forced from his kingdom following his father's death. As he matures into adulthood (Nyaniso Dzedze), he embarks on a path of self-discovery, guided by his ancestor (Beyoncé), his early love (Nandi Madida), and inner reflection (Stephen Ojo) to restore his rightful place. His personal quest mirrors the broader African diaspora’s experience in rediscovering, reclaiming, and honoring their cultural roots, a theme reinforced through spoken-word poetry addressing black identity.
The production lasted more than one year and spanned six countries across three continents. Beyoncé aimed to assemble a diverse team and offer chances for emerging talent. Music, choreography, clothing, hairstyles, and sets were created to highlight the splendor and diversity of African culture and its diaspora. The film premiered worldwide on Disney+ on July 31, 2020, followed by broadcast across Sub-Saharan Africa on M-Net and Canal+ Afrique, as well as the Middle East and North Africa via OSN. An extended version of "Black Parade" was used during the closing credits and featured in a deluxe edition of The Gift released with the film.
The movie garnered acclaim for Beyoncé's direction, cinematography, score, costume design, subject matter, and cultural themes. It earned six nominations at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, including Best Music Film. "Brown Skin Girl" took home the award for Best Music Video, while "Black Parade" won Best R&B Performance. This marked Beyoncé's 28th Grammy win, establishing her as the most decorated singer and female artist in Grammy history. Additionally, the film secured the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Costumes for a Variety, Nonfiction, or Reality Program at the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards.
Cast
- Beyoncéa spirit guide
- Folajomi Akinmurelea young prince
- Nyaniso Dzedzethe adult prince
- Stephen Ojothe blue man
- Nandi Madidathe prince's love interest
- Warren Masemolathe prince’s uncle who takes over the kingdom
- Sibusiso Mbejethe prince's father
- Connie Chiumethe prince's mother
- Mary Twalaan elder
- Fumi Odede
- Tina Knowles
- Jay-Z
- Blue Ivy Carter
- Rumi Carter
- Sir Carter
- Kelly Rowland
- Lord Afrixana
- Yemi Alade
- Jessie Reyez
- Shatta Wale
- Salatiel
- Pharrell Williams
- Wizkid
- Naomi Campbell
- Adut Akech
- Aweng Ade-Chuol
- Lupita Nyong'o
- Tiwa Savage
- Ernestine Shepherd
- Ozie Nzeribe
- Mr Eazi
- Nija Charles
- Tierra Whack
- Burna Boy
- Busiswa
- Moonchild Sanelly
Crew
- Director
- Beyoncé, Emmanuel Adjei, Blitz the Ambassador, Pierre Debusschere, Dafe Oboro, Jenn Nkiru, Ibra Ake, Dikayl Rimmasch, Jake Nava
- Writer
- Beyoncé, Yrsa Daley-Ward, Clover Hope, Andrew Morrow
- Producer
- Jeremy Sullivan, Jimi Adesanya, Blitz the Ambassador, Ben Cooper, Astrid Edwards, Durwin Julies, Yoli Mes, Dafe Oboro, Akin Omotoso, Will Whitney, Lauren Baker, Jason Baum
- Cinematography
- Ryan Marie Helfant, Mohammaed Atta Ahmed, Michael Fernandez, Danny Hiele, Nicolai Niermann, Malik Hassan Sayeed, Santiago Gonzalez, David Boanuh, Erik Henriksson, Laura Merians, Kenechukwu Obiajulu, Benoit Soler
- Music
- James William Blades, MeLo-X, Derek Dixie
Details
- Production
- Parkwood Entertainment, Walt Disney Pictures
- Network
- Disney+