Posts tagged with "Burna Boy"

Wizkid – MORE LOVE, LESS EGO

NIGERIAN GRAMMY AWARD WINNING SUPERSTAR

WIZKID

RELEASES HIS FIFTH STUDIO ALBUM

“MORE LOVE, LESS EGO“

VIA STARBOY/SONY MUSIC INTERNATIONAL/RCA RECORDS

LISTEN HERE

NEW YORK SHOW AT MSG ON NOVEMBER 16^TH – BUY TICKETS HERE

APPLE MUSIC LIVE PERFORMANCE AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 14^TH

“Africa’s biggest pop star” – GQ

“To see Wizkid perform is to comprehend his prowess as an entertainer.”– Vogue

“Nigerian superstar Wizkid has a global audience listening.” – Billboard

Today, GRAMMY Award-winning and multi-Platinum selling Nigerian superstar Wizkid release his fifth studio album More Love, Less Ego via Starboy/Sony Music International/RCA Records – click here to listen. Prior to the album dropping, Wizkid released “Money & Love” and his P2J-produced (whose credits also include Beyoncé, Doja Cat andBurna Boy) single “Bad To Me.” To coincide with his latest release, Apple Music will release an Apple Music Live performance with Wiz on November 14^th and his first-ever Madison Square Garden show in New York is happening on November 16^th – buy tickets here.

Listen to the album More Love, Less Ego HERE

Watch “Bad To Me” HERE

Recently, Wizkid reached a momentous career milestone as his 2020 Grammy nominated album Made in Lagos, with over a billion streams to its name, was awarded Gold Certified from the RIAA. The album’s 2021 deluxe version had the Justin Bieber remixed lead single “Essence” (featuring Tems) that peaked at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, won a 2022 BET Award for “Best Collaboration” and a 2022 NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding International Song,” in addition to being the first Nigerian song to chart on both the Hot 100 and Global 200 charts. The original Grammy nominated version of the single featuring Tems is a 2x Platinum smash hit that reached #1 at Urban Radio and #1 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart.

Also, this year, Wizkid has collaborated with Chris Brown for his track “Call Me Every Day”, headlined Rolling Loud in Toronto, and performed at festivals around the world including Roots Picnic in Philadelphia, Afro Nation in Portugal, Oh My Fest in Amsterdam, Essence Fest in New Orleans, and more. Wiz is currently up for two nominations – “Favorite Afrobeats Artist” and “Favorite R&B Song” (“Essence” with Tems) for the 2022 American Music Awards.

More Love, Less Ego Album Tracklist

01 Money & Love

09 Balance

03 Bad To Me

04 2 Sugar feat. Ayra Starr

05 Everyday

06 Slip N Slide feat. Skillibeng & Shenseaa

07 Deep

08 Flower Pads

02 Wow feat.Skepta & Naira Marley

10 Pressure

11 Plenty Loving

12 Special feat. Don Toliver

13 Frames (Who’s Gonna Know)

About Wizkid:

Grammy award winning singer/songwriter Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (aka Wizkid) began his career in music when he was just 11 years old in Lagos, Nigeria. His first record, Lil Prinz, was recorded in 2001 in collaboration with Glorious Five, a group consisting of Balogun and his friends from church. In 2006, he started pursuing music full-time, at first collaborating with various Nigerian pop acts including OJB Jezreel, Naeto C, and Banky W. By 2011, he was ready to record his debut studio album as a solo artist: Superstar was released via Empire Mates Entertainment to great critical and public acclaim across Africa, propelling him to stardom in his home country. After multiple delays and label disagreements, Balogun released his sophomore album titled Ayo in 2014. This second studio album had a multitude of guest appearances, including a spot from Femi Kuti. It also featured Balogun’s global breakthrough track “Ojuelegba.” Not only did the single cement his status as one of Nigeria’s biggest pop acts, it was also picked up and remixed by Drake and Skepta, thrusting Wizkid into the international spotlight. In return, Wizkid appeared on Drake‘s 2016 smash single “One Dance.”

In March 2017, it was announced that Wizkid had signed a major deal with RCA and Sony International, which released his third LP, Sounds From the Other Side, later that year. A handful of singles appeared in advance of the album, including “Daddy Yo”, “Sweet Love” and “Come Closer”, and were successful; the latter is certified Gold in the USA and the UK .

Following his impressive international campaign, Wizkid refocused energy on his Starboy imprint in Africa. From releasing viral records like “Soco” with his affiliate acts to securing partnerships with brands such as Puma, Wizkid has solidified himself as a millennial pioneer for African entertainment. As an ode to his hometown, Wizkid released his fourth full-length project titled Made in Lagos in 2020 with guest appearances from Burna Boy, Skepta, Damian Marley, H.E.R, Ella Mai, and more. The album is the highest charting Nigerian album on the Billboard 200 of all time, the longest charting Nigerian album of the century on Billboard World Albums chart, and the first and only African album to be RIAA certified Gold in the US with half a million in sale units. Hit single “Essence” became the first Nigerian song to feature on the Billboard Hot 100 and peak #1 on US urban radio. Made in Lagos, along with his Grammy award winning feature with Beyonce and five sellout shows at the o2 Arena, prove Wizkid’s movement to be one of lasting global impact.

Listen to More Love, Less Ego:

Multi: https://Wizkid.lnk.to/MoreLoveLessEgo

Watch “Bad To Me”:

YouTube: https://Wizkid.lnk.to/BTMVid

Follow Wizkid:

INSTAGRAM – TWITTER – FACEBOOK – YOUTUBE

WIZKID – “BAD TO ME”

NIGERIAN GRAMMY AWARD WINNING SUPERSTAR WIZKID RELEASES VISUAL FOR HIS SINGLE “BAD TO ME”

WATCH HERE

FORTHCOMING ALBUM MORE LOVE, LESS EGO COMING SOON

NEW YORK SHOW AT MSG ON NOVEMBER 16^TH – BUY TICKETS HERE

APPLE MUSIC LIVE PERFORMANCE COMING THIS FALL

“Africa’s biggest pop star” – GQ

“To see Wizkid perform is to comprehend his prowess as an entertainer.”- Vogue

“Nigerian superstar Wizkid has a global audience listening.” – Billboard

Today, GRAMMY Award winning and multi-Platinum selling Nigerian superstar Wizkid releases the video for his new single “Bad To Me” via Starboy/Sony Music International/RCA Records – click here to watch. The video depicts a playful story of Wiz performing on a TV show as himself and the showrunner being his secret lover. Produced by Wizkid’s longtime producer P2J (whose credits also include Beyoncé, Doja Cat and Burna Boy), “Bad To Me” is a declaration of lust in its purest form; sultry vibes over a percussive beat that only continues to add to the ongoing tension. The single will be on his forthcoming album More Love, Less Ego coming soon. This fall Apple Music will release an Apple Music Live performance with Wiz and he will also be doing his first-ever Madison Square Garden show in New York on November 16^th – buy tickets here.

Watch “Bad To Me” Video HERE.

About Wizkid:

Buy/Stream/Watch “Bad To Me”:

Multi: https://wizkid.lnk.to/badtome

YouTube: https://Wizkid.lnk.to/BTMVid

Follow Wizkid:

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/wizkidayo/

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/wizkidayo?lang=en

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/wizkidmusic/

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE0-Bxu88d4bsGCv34zvtbA

Drai’s May Lineup

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As summer approaches, Drai’s Beachclub • Nightclub promises to bring the heat this May. Located on The Cromwell‘s 11^th story rooftop, the stage is set for mega-stars Lil Wayne, Meek Mill, Big Sean, TI, Nelly and more to host unforgettable full-length Drai’s LIVE concerts. Guests can also enjoy a splash at luxurious Drai’s Beachclub, now open Friday through Sunday, and Drai’s Resort Pool experience from Monday through Thursday starting in May.

The Drai’s Beachclub • Nightclub lineup for May is listed below.

Nightclub Lineup

Friday, May 6 – TI: Three-time Grammy award winner, TI, has released several highly successful singles including hits such as “Whatever You Like” and “Live your life” featuring Rihanna. He has also collaborated with some of today’s hottest artists such as Drake and Gucci Mane.
Saturday, May 7 – Gucci Mane: Gucci Mane, a frequent Drai’s performer and guaranteed life of the party, recently dropped his new single, “Serial Killers.”
Sunday, May 8 – Lloyd: R&B singer Lloyd is most popular for hit single “Lay it Down” and his feature on Young Money‘s hit “Bed Rock.” Lloyd’s performance follows the launch of Drai’s “House Party” a 90’s and early 2000’s themed celebration that will take place once a month until November.
Saturday, May 14 – Tory Lanez: Tory Lanez has mesmerized audiences with his “swavey” musical style and has picked up features with ASAP Ferg and G-Eazy along the way. Alone at Prom is the R&B artist’s 6th studio album and the most popular tracks are “Enchanted Waterfall,” “The Color Violet,” and “Lady of Namek.”
Sunday, May 15 – Burna Boy: Nigerian rapper and singer Burna Boy has collaborated with popular artists like Pop Smoke and Polo G. Top hits from his latest album Twice as Tall” include “Way too Big” and “23.”
Friday, May 20 – Big Sean: Multi-platinum artist Big Sean is best known for smash hits such as “I Don’t F**k with You” and “My Last.” He recently released a new song, in collaboration with famed record R&B Singer Queen Naija, entitled “Hate Our Love.” The artist recently headlined at the 2022 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
Saturday, May 21 – Gucci Mane
Sunday, May 22 – DJ Franzen: Drai’s resident and legendary DJ and producer DJ Franzen is known for creating an incredible party atmosphere.
Friday, May 27 – Meek Mill: As one of the hottest live performers, Mill’s popular new hits include “Hot” and “Sharing Locations” from his recent album Expensive Pain to crowd favorites like, “Dreams and Nightmares.”
Saturday, May 28 – Lil Wayne: Lil Wayne, known as “Weezy” to his fans, is popular for hits like “A Milli” and “6 Foot 7 Foot.” His album, Funeral, debuted no. 1 on the 2020 Billboard Charts, becoming Lil Wayne’s fifth chart-topping album.

Beachclub

Friday, May 6 – Cyberkid: DJ Cyberkid is a crowd favorite in the Las Vegas club scene with over two decades of experience.
Saturday, May 7 – TI
Sunday, May 8 – Maria Romano: Maria Romano is a Las Vegas favorite DJ.
Friday, May 13 – Maria Romano
Sunday, May 15 – Nelly
Friday, May 20 – Maria Romano
Saturday, May 21 – Big Sean
Sunday, May 22 – Baddies Only: DJ Baddies Only brings stimulating energy to his music alongside his very own beautiful baddies. He aims to create the most entertaining party atmosphere ever.
Friday, May 27 – DJ Vision: From DJing house parties to elevating nightlife at clubs, DJ vision will perform an epic set at Drai’s Beachclub. He has been a DJ for artists like YG.
Saturday, May 28 – Meek Mill
Sunday, May 29 – Lil Wayne
Monday, May 30 – Maria Romano

WIZKID – MADE IN LAGOS NORTH AMERICAN TOUR

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Following the incredible success of the critically acclaimed Made In Lagos album, today Wizkid announces his North American tour dates. Kicking off a run of Fall dates September 10th in Boston, the 17-date tour will give fans the chance to celebrate and see the Made In Lagos album live. Tickets go on sale Friday 9th July, 10am local time. Tickets can be purchased here.

Released October 2020 via Starboy/Sony Music International, Made in Lagos is the longest charting album by a Nigerian artist on the Billboard World Albums chart for the new decade (2020) at 20 weeks and counting. The album is also the longest charting album by an African artist on the Worldwide and European Apple Music albums charts. The 14-track project includes features from an incredible group of chart-topping artists – Burna Boy, Skepta, Damian Marley, H.E.R., Ella Mai and Starboy Entertainment’s youngest signee Terri.

In the US, Wizkid came to prominence in 2016 through his collaboration with Drake on the #1 hit song “One Dance.” Over the years, Wizkid has worked with several chart-topping, multi-platinum selling artists such as Future, Chris Brown, Wale, French Montana, Ty Dolla $ign, Major Lazer and more. His most recent collaboration with Beyoncé, Blue Ivy and SAINt JHN “Brown Skin Girl” earned him his first Grammy Award win for Best Music Video this year.

Wizkid most recently celebrated the 10-year anniversary of his debut album Superstar. The Made In Lagos tour will see Wizkid perform his illustrious discography, which has collectively garnered over 3 billion streams. For the full routing of the North American tour please see below.

Wizkid Made In Lagos Tour Dates

10th Sep – Boston, MA, Orpheum Theatre

11th Sep – Brooklyn, NY, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn

13th Sep – Silver Spring, MD, The Fillmore Silver Spring

17th Sep – Cleveland, OH, House of Blues

18th Sep – Chicago, IL, The Riviera Theatre

19th Sep – Minneapolis, MN, The Fillmore

22nd Sep – Denver, CO, Summit Music Hall

24th Sep – Las Vegas, NV, Chop Vegas*

25th Sep – Los Angeles, CA, The Wiltern

28th Sep – Seattle, WA, Neptune

2nd Oct – Sacramento, CA, TBA*

9th Oct – Dallas, TX, Southside Ballroom

10th Oct – Houston, TX, Bayou Music Center

12th Oct – Atlanta, GA, Tabernacle

16th Oct – Miami, FL, The Oasis

21st Jan – Toronto, ON, HISTORY

22nd Jan – Montreal, QC, MTelus

*Festival Performance

Tickets available for purchase here on Friday July 9th, 10am local time

Stream Made in Lagos

Follow Wizkid on:

Twitter – Instagram – Facebook

Becky G × Burna Boy – Rotate

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Global superstars Becky G and Burna Boy have joined forces on their latest track “Rotate” which is out now via Kemosabe/RCA Records. Listen HERE. Becky G says, “Rotate” to me is a celebration. I think it’s evident that futbol holds a special place in my heart and having Burna Boy join me on this made sense because ultimately I wanted to embody the perfect pre-game song that gets the blood flowing, makes you want to dance and enjoy the sport.”

Burna Boy says, “This is a song that inspires you to aspire and I’m truly honored to be a part of the champions league journey. Writing it came from a place of positivity. The belief that no matter who or where you are, whatever your background or your origins are, there is no limit to what you can achieve when you put your mind to it! I believe we are ALL champions!”

“Rotate,” which was co-written by both artists along with SoFLY, Nius, DiGenius, Elena Rose, Nate Campany and Jin Jin and produced by SoFLY, Nius and DiGenius, is currently featured in the 2021 Pepsi global football campaign “Music Keeps Us Fizzing’ which launched earlier this week. The lyrics and beat of the track, ‘Rotate’, are inspired by this year’s roster of Pepsi football talent and are a tribute to the beautiful game.

ABOUT BECKY G
Singer, songwriter and actress Becky G was born for the spotlight and her multifaceted career is shaping up to be nothing short of iconic. The 23-year-old global superstar’s achievements include two number one hits on the Billboard Latin Airplay Charts (“Mayores” & “Sin Pijama”), a starring role in “Power Rangers,” and guest-starring in Fox TV’s Emmy-winning “Empire” series.

Becky G recently won the first-ever American Music Award for Favorite Latin Female Artist (2020) as well as the E! People’s Choice Award for Latin Artist of 2020. She was also recently nominated for a Latin GRAMMY for Best Urban Song for “Muchacha” (her collab with Gente de Zona). Becky won the Latin American Music Award for Favorite Female Artist two years in a row (2018 and 2019) and received the Latin AMA for Favorite Urban Song (for “Mayores”) in 2018. She was also presented with YouTube’s Diamond Play Button for surpassing 10 million followers on the platform (she now has over 17M).

Becky recently accepted the Agent of Change award at the 2020 Premios Juventud (Latin Youth Choice Awards) for her activism and using her platform to inspire positive change and garnered the Extraordinary Evolution Award at the 2019 Latin American Music Awards for her success as a young performer who has reached the pinnacle of success in a short period of time. She has also been honored by the Latin Recording Academy as one of the Leading Ladies in Entertainment (2018) and by her home city of Inglewood, California for her contributions to the Hispanic community; she has been recognized as one of Rolling Stone’s “18 Teens Shaking Up Pop Culture” and one of Billboard’s “21 Under 21”.

Her debut album Mala Santa was released in October 2019 and has been certified 8X Platinum in the United States, Platinum in Spain and Gold in México. Click HERE to stream or download the album.

ABOUT BURNA BOY

Burna Boy is a Nigerian based Afro-fusion singer, songwriter, and performing artiste signed to Atlantic Records in the United States, Warner Music Group internationally and his record label Spaceship Entertainment. Born Damini Ogulu in Port Harcourt to parents Bosede and Samuel Ogulu, he is the only son and eldest of three children.

Burna Boy is one of the few figures in the Nigerian music industry with a distinct voice that evokes memories of many music greats, dead and living, from all over the world–something that has aided him in his rise to global prominence. An indigene of Rivers State in Southern Nigeria, Burna Boy has worked with several A-list local and international artistes like Sia, Diddy, Sauti Sol, Youssou N’Dour, Sam Smith, Damien Marley, Stormzy, Sarkodie, to mention a few.

Some of his major projects include Twice as Tall, African Giant, Outside, L.I.F.E., and On a Spaceship, amongst others. He has numerous critically acclaimed singles such as “Ye”, “Anybody”, “African Giant”, “On the low”, “Way too big”, “Gbona”, and so much more.

Burna Boy has been nominated for and won numerous awards both locally and internationally, some of which include GRAMMY Award, BET, MTV Europe Music Awards, Soundcity MVP, The Headies, MOBO Awards, Edison Award, amongst others.

Wizkid – Ginger

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Nigerian singer/songwriter Wizkid offers another look at the amazing talent emanating from his beloved country with today’s release of the dance visualizer for “Ginger” featuring afrobeats choreographer Izzy Odigie. Click here to watch.

“Ginger” featuring Burna Boy is just one of many stellar songs on Wizkid’s latest opusMade in Lagos, which has garnered over 73 million audio and video streamsworldwide since its release via Starboy/Sony Music International/RCA Records. Dedicated to Nigeria, Made in Lagos encapsulates the positive vibes of the city for the world to enjoy. The 14-track project also includes features from Skepta, Damian Marley, H.E.R. Ella Mai and Starboy Entertainment’s youngest signee Terri.

Stay tuned for more exciting news from Wizkid in the coming weeks.

Queen & Slim Soundtrack Out Now

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Motown Records released Queen & Slim: The Soundtrack on vinyl for the first time. The two-LP limited edition of the acclaimed soundtrack is now available at participating independent record stores in conjunction with the Record Store Day’s RSD Drops 2020 program. Visit here for further details. Queen & Slim: The Soundtrack merchandise is available HERE.

Starring Oscar nominee Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out), Queen & Slim is a powerful, consciousness-raising love story that confronts the staggering human toll of racism and the life-shattering price of violence. The film, from GRAMMY^–winning director Melina Matsoukas and Emmy winning writer Lena Waithe, has won numerous awards including Best Movie at the BET Awards 20.

The music in the film serves as an additional voice and showcases the range of talent across Black artists with a compelling blend of genres. The 16-song soundtrack features new tracks by Ms. Lauryn Hill, Megan Thee Stallion x VickeeLo, Lil Baby, Vince Staples featuring 6lack X Mereba, Tiana Major 9 & EARTHGANG, Coast Contra; featuring BJ The Chicago Kidand Syd, plus classic songs byRoy Ayers, Bilal, Mike Jones and others. Blood Orange composed the film’s score and is featured on the soundtrack. See below for track listing.

Queen & Slim: The Soundtrack has received numerous award nominations, including an NAACP Image Awards nod for Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation. Collide by Tiana Major9 and EARTHGANG took Outstanding Original Song honors at the Black Reel Awards earlier this year and was named one of the best R&B songs of 2019 by VIBE.

Motown Records President Ethiopia Habtemariam, Waithe and Matsoukas served as executive soundtrack producers. AP said, “Together they’re like the perfect aux-cord DJs. They hit play, and they don’t miss.” The Atlantic noted, “The Best Part of Queen & Slim is the Soundtrack Music is woven throughout with an impressive ear for black American artists’complex relationships to the country they inhabit, and to other black people.”

TIME hailed the soundtrack as “an astounding collage of sound an ode to the past, present and future of black music.” NYLON predicted that Ride or Die from Megan Thee Stallion x VickeeLo “will be bumping in the club for months.” Pitchfork praised Vince Staples’ “Yo Love” feat. 6lack & Mereba as “a charming swerve from Staples that’s only further proof of the rapper’s chameleonic talents.” Rolling Stone said, “Guarding the Gates is an immersive and sprawling ballad as [Ms. Lauryn] Hill delivers a mesmerizing vocal performance.”

While on a forgettable first date together in Ohio, a black man (Kaluuya) and a black woman (Jodie Turner-Smith), are pulled over for a minor traffic infraction. The situation escalates, with sudden and tragic results, when the man kills the police officer in self-defense. Terrified and in fear for their lives, the man, a retail employee, and the woman, a criminal defense lawyer, are forced to go on the run. But the incident is captured on video and goes viral, and the couple unwittingly become a symbol of trauma, terror, grief and pain for people across the country.

As they drive, these two unlikely fugitives will discover themselves and each other in the most dire and desperate of circumstances and will forge a deep and powerful love that will reveal their shared humanity and shape the rest of their lives.

Waithe wrote the screenplay forQueen & Slim from a story by herself and bestselling author James Frey (A Million Little Pieces, Katerina). The film is produced by Frey, Waithe, Matsoukas, Michelle Knudsen, Andrew Coles, Brad Weston and Pamela Abdy. The executive producers are Pamela Hirsch, Kaluuya, Aaron L. Gilbert and Jason Cloth. Universal Pictures and Makeready present Queen & Slim in association with 3BlackDot and Bron Creative, a Makeready/De La Revoluci, Films/Hillman Grad/3BlackDot production.

Track Listing Queen & Slim: The Soundtrack

LP1 / SIDE

Megan Thee Stallion feat. VickeeLo, Ride Or Die
Bilal feat. Raphael Saadiq, Soul Sista (Remix)
Vince Staples Feat. 6lack & Mereba, Yo Love
Tiana Major9 & EARTHGANG, Collide

LP1 / SIDE B

Syd, Getting Late
Mike Jones feat. Slim Thug & Paul Wall, Still Tippin’
Coast Contra feat. BJ The Chicago Kid, Queen x Slim
Choker, Frame

LP2 / SIDE A

Lil Baby, Catch The Sun
Roy Ayers, Searching
Ms. Lauryn Hill, Guarding The Gates
Burna Boy, My Money, My Baby

LP2 / SIDE B

Cedes Benz, The-Dream
Little Freddie King, Standin’ At Yo Door (Live)
Blood Orange feat. Ian Isiah & Jason Arce, Runnin’ Away
Moses Sumney, Doomed

A Gift From Beyoncé

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‘Superb. Reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s Remember The Time!’ – Vaughn Lowery, 360 Magazine

By Mina Tocalini

Beyoncé’s new film “Black is King,” a celebration of the “breadth and beauty of Black ancestry”, released on Disney+ today. Similar to Beyoncé’s 2016 film, “Lemonade,” “Black is King” acts as a visual album to her soundtrack, “The Lion King: The Gift.” Black Is King” explores the “timeless lessons” from Lion King in a visually rich modern journey of Black empowerment and resilience.

Beyoncé announced her excitement for the film’s release via Instagram, while further acknowledging the impact of its release and message: “The events of 2020 have made the film’s vision and message even more relevant, as people across the world embark on a historic journey… I believe that when Black people tell our own stories, we can shift the axis of the world and tell our REAL history.”

Beyoncé’s prideful film explores the Black experience and history through a young king’s story of “betrayal, love and self-identity.” Additionally, given the timing of its release, the film presents the necessity of honoring and telling stories from the Black perspective and that of any underrepresented community.

Simply put, the film is a celebratory visual journey of the Black experience. Initially the flow of the story seems interrupted and fast paced, but further on, it becomes clear that instead of following a linear narrative, it challenges the audience to find the connections within the short moments that frame each message.

Reiterating the same story we know and love is unnecessary, so rather, “Black is King” reinvents the Lion King through thematic experimentation intended to ignite pride in the Black identity. In a stunning collage of Afro-Soul music, narrative driven reflections and strikingly beautiful imagery, the film successfully expresses inspirational messages of hope, growth, love and community.

Some have critiqued the lavish presentation of Blackness via art, dance and fashion to be excessive and fast paced. Yet, this film’s message is focused on individuality and self love derived from the appreciation of Black culture. A culture of an entire continent and of Black communities around the world, it is anything but simple.

The immense detail in this film celebrates the complexity of Black beauty and the fast paced editing can not only be considered a reference to music video styles. It may originate from there, but can we not interpret it as being part of the overwhelming journey of defining your identity while struggling with the racial tensions in society.

Beyoncé did not create this to simply further enhance her image in a display of wealth, popular culture already associates her persona this way, we expect it and should not disregard the artistry for embracing it. She is simply using her power as a superstar to lead the unifying celebration, as should be done by those who can.

Additionally, Beyoncé is not the only star in “Black is King”, although American audiences may mainly recognize her. Emerging African artists such as Wizkid, Busiswa, Shatta Wale, Salatiel, Mr Eazi, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Burna Boy, Tekno, Moonchild Sanelly and Lord Afrixana were part of the album and in some in the film. Black American artists also include Kelly Rowland, 070 Shake, Childish Gambino, Jessie Reyez, Pharrell Williams, Nija, and Tierra Whack. The presence of these Black American legends establishes the familiarity necessary to create an alliance between both Black cultures and induce a movement of African diaspora celebration.

Follow Beyoncé: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Sam Smith – My Oasis

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Sam Smith and Burna Boy join forces on Smith’s new track “My Oasis,” out now via Capitol Records. “My Oasis” marks the start of a new chapter for Smith who has to date sold over 25 million adjusted albums worldwide. Born from a mutual respect for one another, Smith and Burna Boy made this cross-continent collaboration happen over the last few months and the result is a brilliant song of love lost and longing, intertwining their distinctive vocals. Stream “My Oasis” HERE.

This track has been a beautiful release of emotions for me during this time, says Smith who wrote the track with Jimmy Napes and Burna Boy. I’ve been a fan of Burna Boy for years now and am so happy to have a tune with him.

Since the release of their 2014 debut album, In The Lonely Hour, Smith has sold over 25 million adjusted albums worldwide. They have won four GRAMMY Awards, an Oscar, a Golden Globe and three BRIT Awards. Smith’s sophomore album, The Thrill Of It All, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in 2017 and also topped the charts in the U.K., Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands and Belgium. Awarded four stars by Rolling Stone, the album included the hit single “Too Good At Goodbyes,” which recently became Smith’s second song to receive over a billion streams on Spotify, after “Stay With Me.”

In the course of the last year, Smith has released a quartet of smash singles. The chart-topping collaboration with Normani, “Dancing with a Stranger” has sold more than 13 million units and racked up over 2.5 billion streams worldwide. It was followed by “How Do You Sleep?,” which has amassed over 8 million units and 1.5 billion global streams. “To Die For,” released along with its accompanying video on Valentine’s Day, has surpassed 35 million video views and the powerful and unabashed slice of pop perfection, “I’m Ready” with Demi Lovato will appear on Smith’s forthcoming third studio album.

Follow Sam Smith: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Follow Burna Boy: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube

Burna Boy – “Wonderful”

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GRAMMY-NOMINATED GLOBAL SUPERSTAR BURNA BOY RELEASES OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO FOR “WONDERFUL” ARRIVES AFTER BEING CROWNED AS BEST INTERNATIONAL ACT AT THE BET AWARDS FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR

“JA ARE A,” ORIGINALLY SEEN ON BEYONCE’S THE LION KING: THE GIFT SOUNDTRACK, TO ALSO BE SEEN ON THE RECENTLY ANNOUNCED BLACK IS KING VISUAL ALBUM UPCOMING ALBUM TWICE AS TALL DUE FOR RELEASE LATER THIS SUMMER

WATCH HERE

GRAMMY/BRITs-nominee and two-time recipient of BET’s Best International Act award, BURNA BOY, officially unveils an official music video for his newest single “Wonderful” from his upcoming 4th studio album TWICE AS TALL. You can watch/share the official video HERE.

The “Wonderful” visual arrives after his second-consecutive win as the BET Award’s Best International Act which was presented to him this year by Naomi Campbell. Using his acceptance speech as an opportunity to share the importance of unity he went on to say, “I’d like to use this opportunity to say that sometime around 1835 there was a mission to turn the nation of Africa into a dominated nation. Now is the time to overturn that and go back to the royalty that we were because in order for black lives to matter, Africa must matter.”

Burna Boy continues into 2020 after wrapping an extremely successful 2019. His GRAMMY-nominated album (Best World Music Album), AFRICAN GIANT, saw incredible critical acclaim at its release and now adorns a galore of ‘best of’ lists – including Pitchfork’s 50 Best Albums of 2019, NPR’s Best Albums of 2019, Billboard’s 50 Best Albums of 2019, Rolling Stone’s 50 Best Albums of 2019, Complex’s Best Albums of 2019, and many more. He was also named Apple Music’s Up Next Artist. He was also seen on Beyonce’s THE LION KING: THE GIFT with “JA ARA E” in addition to the official “Queen & Slim” soundtrack with “My Money, My Baby.”

The Nigerian star made his U.S. late night television debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live! followed by appearances on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He also appeared on NPR’s Tiny Desk, performing four live songs including his global hit “Ye.”

He also had an extensive year of live performances, traveling across North America on his THE AFRICAN GIANT RETURNS TOUR with sold-out stops in Toronto, New York, and LA through September, spending an additional two months for its European leg from Paris through Leicester, and had two fiery live sets at both weekends of Coachella.

ABOUT BURNA BOY:

Burna Boy was born in Port Harcourt City and started producing music when he was ten years old. After graduating from school, Burna relocated to London for university. After two years, he dropped out and moved back to Nigeria to pursue his passion. A creative by the name of LeriQ allocated studio space for Burna to record and produce.

His father always listened to dancehall and reggae music, an early influence and integral part of his musical style. Burna’s grandfather managed Fela Kuti for the first 15 years of his career, a relationship that would come to shape Burna’s sound and his understanding of himself as an artist that represents Nigeria, and more broadly Africa, to the world. Burna Boy classifies his own music as Afro-fusion, a genre he coined.

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