New York (AFP)
"A declaration of love to Africa" with several artists from the continent, but also American stars like Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar: Beyoncé released Friday his album "The Lion King: The Gift", after having lent his voice to a character from the new version of Disney's cult movie "The Lion King".
The album produced by the queen of pop has 27 titles. Childish Gambino, Pharrell and Tierra Whack also collaborated with 7-year-old Blue Ivy Carter, the daughter of Beyoncé and Jay-Z.
"I wanted to be authentic about what makes the beauty of music in Africa," said ABC, the star, who gives Nala the voice in "The Lion King" of 2019, remake of the famous cartoon.
"The Gift" is a separate album from the movie's official trailer, though both contain Beyoncé's latest single, "Spirit".
With strong Afrobeat accents, it is also interspersed with dialogues of the "Lion King".
Artists participating in the album include Nigerian musicians Tekno, Yemi Alade and Mr. Eazi, as well as Ghanaian artist Shatta Wale.
Cameroonian Salatiel joined Beyoncé and Pharrell on "Water".
"I wanted to be sure to find the best talent in Africa, and not just use some sounds and make my own interpretation," Beyoncé said.
The album is "a mix of genres and collaborations (...) It is influenced by everything from R & B to pop through hip-hop and afrobeat," she added.
© 2019 AFP