If you're all over Beyoncé's new Black Is King visual album [1] like we are, then you've probably noticed more than a few familiar faces make appearances [2]. In addition to American artists like Jay-Z, Childish Gambino, and Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé brought in a wide range of talented African artists and musicians to collaborate on this incredible project.
The album — which is a visual companion to the soundtrack for Disney's 2019 remake of The Lion King [3] — tells the story of a young African king who embarks on a journey of self discovery after his family casts him out into the world alone. In an interview with Good Morning America, Beyoncé described the soundtrack as a "love letter to Africa [4]," and that love is reflected in every aspect of the visual album, including the choice of artists. From Shatta Wale and Wizkid to Tierra Whack, keep reading to learn more about each of the amazing artists featured on Black Is King.
Oumou Sangaré
Beyoncé's "Mood 4 Eva" features elements from "Diaraby Nene," written and performed by Oumou Sangaré, a Grammy Award-winning Malian Wassoulou musician [6]. Wassoulou music is popular in West Africa and features recurring lyrical themes, such as childbearing and fertility. Sangaré was previously a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation.
JAY-Z
JAY-Z is featured on Beyoncé's "Mood 4 Eva."
Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage — a Nigerian singer, songwriter and actress — is featured on Beyoncé's "Keys to the Kingdom" with Mr. Eazi. Savage began her music career doing backup vocals for artists, such as George Michael and Mary J. Blige [7]. Her contributions to African music have since earned her several awards, including the title of best African act at the 2018 MTV Europe Music Awards.
Wizkid
Wizkid is a Nigerian singer and songwriter known for his afrobeats, reggae, and hip-hop music. He is featured on Beyoncé's "Brown Skin Girl" in Black Is King and was also featured on Drake's "One Dance [8]" in 2016.
Major Lazer
Major Lazer is a Jamaican-American electronic dance trio fronted by Diplo alongside DJ Walshy Fire and DJ Ape Drums. The group has earned a Billboard Music Award for their hit "Lean On [9]" and can be heard in Black Is King's "Already."
Jessie Reyez
Jessie Reyez is a Canadian singer and songwriter who is featured on Beyoncé's "Scar" with 070 Shake. Reyez's 2018 album, Being Human in Public, earned her her 2017 single "Mumbo Jumbo [10]."
Blue Ivy Carter
Blue Ivy Carter is featured on "Brown Skin Girl," alongside Beyoncé, Saint JHN, and Wizkid.
Saint JHN
Saint JHN is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer who is featured on Beyoncé's "Brown Skin Girl." He is best known for his 2016 hit "Roses [11]," and is also a founding member of the Gødd Complexx music collective.
Yemi Alade
Yemi Alade appears on "My Power" and "Don't Jealous Me" from Beyoncé's Black Is King visual album. Alade is a Nigerian Afropop singer and songwriter [12] who performed at this year's Global Goal: Unite For Our Future virtual event alongside artists Miley Cyrus [13], Shakira [14], and Coldplay.
070 Shake
Also known as Danielle Balbuena, 070 Shake is featured on Black Is King's "Scar" alongside Jessie Reyez. Balbuena is an American hip-hop recording artist and has made guest appearances on Kanye West's [15] "Ghost Town" and "Violent Crimes." Her first studio album Modus Vivendi was released on Jan. 17, 2020.
Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar peforms "Nile" with Beyoncé on Black Is King.
Burna Boy
Burna Boy is a Nigerian singer and songwriter [16] who won best international act at the 2019 BET Awards. After the release of his fourth studio album African Giant in July 2019, he won album of the year at the 2019 All Africa Music Awards and was also nominated for best world music album at the 62nd Grammy Awards. Burna Boy performs "Ja Ara E" on Black Is King.
Childish Gambino
Childish Gambino appears on "Mood 4 Eva" alongside Beyoncé, JAY-Z, and Oumou Sangaré.
Mr. Eazi
Mr. Eazi is a Nigerian singer and songwriter featured on Beyoncé's "Keys to the Kingdom" and "Don't Jealous Me." His 2015 single "Skin Tight" featuring Efya [17] earned him an international audience and he is best known for his creation of Banku music, which is a fusion sound described as a mixture of traditional Ghanaian highlife music with Nigerian chord progressions and patterns.
DJ Lag
DJ Lag is a South African DJ and producer featured on "My Power" from Black Is King. He is best known as one of the creators of Gqom, a genre of EDM [18] that emerged in Durban, South Africa in the early 2010s.