She's long been touted as the queen of the music industry, and now Beyonce has urged fans to follow her "on her throne" for a powerful new cause.
The singer-songwriter unexpectedly released a new single, Black Parade, on Friday, June 19, to celebrate Juneteenth.
The tune, which was unveiled exclusively on Tidal before rolling out to other platforms, comes with a stirring message, echoing the weekend's holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the US.
"I'm goin' back to the South / Where my roots ain't watered down," the star sings in the track, her first solo release since 2019's The Gift. " Here I come on my throne, sittin' high / Follow my parade, oh, my parade."
The single isn't just an anthem for those championing racial equality as part of ongoing protests around the world, either.
Proceeds from the song will "benefit black-owned small businesses" as part of a new initiative, Beyonce revealed on Instagram
"Happy Juneteenth Weekend! I hope we continue to share joy and celebrate each other, even in the midst of struggle. Please continue to remember our beauty, strength and power," the 38-year-old wrote on Instagram, as she shared a link to a Black Parade Route page on her website.
"Black Parade celebrates you, your voice and your joy."
The webpage contains a directory of black-owned businesses in the US, from beauty brands and homewares to restaurants and cafes, as well as a link to a Tidal playlist that comprises black artists.
The list has been compiled with the help of Zerina Akers, Beyonce's long-time stylist.
"Being Black is your activism. Black excellence is a form of protest. Black joy is your right," the page adds.
Money raised by Black Parade will benefit BeyGOOD's Black Business Impact Fund, which supports struggling black-owned companies.
In recent weeks, Beyonce has also penned open letter demanding justice in the deaths of both George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Profile of Hala Insurance
Date Started: September 2018
Founders: Walid and Karim Dib
Based: Abu Dhabi
Employees: Nine
Amount raised: $1.2 million
Funders: Oman Technology Fund, AB Accelerator, 500 Startups, private backers
MATCH INFO
Champions League quarter-final, first leg
Ajax v Juventus, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
Match on BeIN Sports
'The worst thing you can eat'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
if you go
The flights
Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.
The hotel
Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.
The tour
Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg
The Settlers
Director: Louis Theroux
Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz
Rating: 5/5
