Beyonce isn’t just starring in Disney’s new film, The Lion King; she also is dropping off a new album.
The mega pop star is the voice behind one of our favorite characters in the film, Nala. She has been teasing some artwork on her Instagram for the past two weeks, and now she brought some even more exciting news to the forefront. Beyonce is serving as the executive producer of the film’s soundtrack, The Lion King: The Gift. In addition to being the producer, she also lends her voice for some of the new music coming on the project.
The first single off the album is titled “Spirit” and will be available on streaming platforms on Tuesday night. The track, performed by Beyonce, saw her, as well as, Timothy McKenzie, and IIya Salmanzadeh, getting writing credits. Bey, IIya, and Labrinth are listed as executive producers.
“This is sonic cinema,” said Beyoncé as she gets ready to hit the big screen. “This is a new experience of storytelling. I wanted to do more than find a collection of songs that were inspired by the film. It is a mixture of genres and collaboration that isn’t one sound. It is influenced by everything from R&B, pop, hip-hop and Afro Beat.”
“The Lion King: The Gift,” an album featuring global artists & steeped in the sounds of Africa, produced & curated by @Beyonce Knowles-Carter, will release 7/19. “Spirit,” the single from the album & soundtrack for The Lion King, will be available tonight. https://t.co/IbMpQvJ97U pic.twitter.com/AA7Fxl7hb7
— The Lion King (@disneylionking) July 9, 2019
“I wanted to put everyone on their own journey to link the storyline,” the singer added. “Each song was written to reflect the film’s storytelling that gives the listener a chance to imagine their own imagery, while listening to a new contemporary interpretation. It was important that the music was not only performed by the most interesting and talented artists but also produced by the best African producers. Authenticity and heart were important to me.”
The Lion King: The Gift release date is set for July 19, which is the same day that the live-action film is set to hit theaters worldwide. Beyonce voiced the iconic character of Nala in the movie which is a live-action adaption of the 1994 classic animated film, The Lion King.
Beyonce also duet with another one of the film’s stars, Donald Glover, for the remake of Elton John’s classic, “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” which is slated for release on July 11. The track appeared on the soundtrack for the original film. Donald Glover plays the character of Simba.
