Dissect

Beyonce’s BLACK IS KING is a love letter to Africa, and we’re dissecting its story, music, and many visual symbols in a special seven part mini-series. We begin with the film’s opening two songs “Bigger” and “Find Your Way Back,” where we meet the film’s central protagonist, Simba, and his ancestral spirit guide played by Beyonce.

Our special mini-series on Beyonce’s BLACK IS KING continues with an examination of “Don’t Jealous Me,” “Scar,” and “Nile.” After Mufasa is murdered by Scar’s henchmen, Simba flees his home to live in denial of his true royal identity, setting off his journey outside the Pride Lands.

Our special mini-series on Beyonce’s BLACK IS KING continues with an examination of “MOOD 4 EVA,” “Ja Ara E,” and “Already.” After fleeing the Pride Lands, Simba is rudely awakened from his fantasy of the American Dream by the nightmare of his past. His ancestral guides encourage Simba to remember his true royal identity and reclaim his throne.

Our special mini-series on Beyonce’s BLACK IS KING continues with an examination of “Water,” “Brown Skin Girl,” and “Keys to the Kingdom.” This act of the film introduces the divine feminine, Nala, who heals Simba through her loving affirmation. Simba learns to give all of himself in marriage, symbolizing the ideal balance between divine masculine and feminine energy.

Our special mini-series on Beyonce’s BLACK IS KING continues with an examination of “Otherside,” “My Power,” and “Spirit.” Simba returns to the river to be reborn, reclaims his royal identity, and reunites with his father in heaven. Assisted by powerful women, Simba defeats Scar and reclaims his throne. Simba then raises his own child into the air, just as his father before him, completing his journey and fulfilling the circle of life.

Our special mini-series on Beyonce’s BLACK IS KING concludes with an examination of “BLACK PARADE.” Released on Juneteenth 2020, “BLACK PARADE” is Beyonce’s final call to action and a prideful celebration of the African motherland.