Did you know that Shatta Wale is not the only Ghanaian who worked with Beyonce on her album? Apparently Ghanaian gifted music producer, GuiltyBeatz found his way to the top gracefully.
Everyone is currently talking about Beyonce’s album ‘The Lion King: The Gift’, since news broke that a song off the album actually featured Shatta Wale.
Another Ghanaian who worked on the album is multiple-award-winning and talented producers, GuityBeatz.
Guiltybeatz had production credits on three of the songs on the album namely, “Find Your Way Back (Circle of Life)” by Beyonce , ‘Already’ by Shatta Wale and Beyonce; and ‘Keys to The Kingdom’ by Tiwa Savage and Mr Eazi.
The Lion King: The Gift is a “love letter to Africa” and “features a beautiful, multi-genre symphony, steeped in African influences from various corners of the Continent, with unexpected collaborations, pulsating rhythms and crisp production that celebrate the African diaspora.”
The first single, “Spirit,” will be available globally later tonight. The powerful track, performed by Beyoncé, was written by IIya Salmanzadeh, Timothy McKenzie, and Beyoncé, and produced by Beyoncé, IIya, and Labrinth. It appears in the film during a pivotal scene with Beyoncé’s character, Nala.
“This is sonic cinema,” said Beyoncé. “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.”
“I wanted to put everyone on their own journey to link the storyline,” she continued. “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 is set for release on July 19, the same day the film hits theaters. A tracklisting and featured artists are forthcoming.
Beyoncé voices Nala in the live-action adaptation of Disney’s 1994 animated classic. Directed by Jon Favreau, the film also stars Donald Glover (Simba), Chiwetel Ejiofor (Scar), Billy Eichner (Timon), Seth Rogen (Pumbaa), and Alfre Woodard (Sarabi).
