Disney continues to bring to life many animation classics and the most anticipated retelling of the year features an assembly of super stars. At the height of anticipation, Beyonce dropped a new single “Spirit” announcing she would be producing an album themed to the upcoming movie being released on Wednesday.
The cast of voices includes:
Donald Glover – Simba
Beyonce – Nala
Chiwetel Ejiofor – Scar
John Oliver – Zazu
James Earl Jones – Mufasa
John Kani – Rafiki
Alfre Woodard Alfre Woodard – Sarabi
JD McCrary – Young Simba
Shahadi Wright Joseph – Young Nala
Penny Johnson Jerald -Sarafina
Keegan-Michael Key – Kamari
Eric André – Azizi
Florence Kasumba – Shenzi
Seth Rogen – Pumbaa
Billy Eichner – Timon
Amy Sedaris – Guinea Fowl
Chance the Rapper – Bush Baby
Phil LaMarr – Impala
J.Lee – Hyena
Josh McCrary – Elephant Shrew
The most trusted voice in entertainment, Beyonce has brought together a symphony of some of her favorite artists and the most talented, important African arists of the day to both pay tribute to the iconic film and being the authentic sounds of African music to the world.
“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.” says Beyonce.
“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 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 opens in cinemas Wednesday 17 July.
The album Beyonce is producing, ‘The Lion King: The Gift’ is released Friday 19 July
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