When Beyonce's new visual album 'Black Is King' will be available in the UAE

Beyonce's new film, which celebrates Black culture, will be available to watch on OSN streaming

Beyonce's 'Black is King' is a celebration of black resilience and culture. Courtesy Disney
Powered by automated translation

Beyonce's highly anticipated visual album Black Is King is set to be released on OSN this weekend.

The feature film, which is a celebration of Black culture, will be released on the UAE streaming platform on Saturday, August 1, a day after it makes its debut on Disney+ on Friday, July 31.

The first trailer for Black Is King was released at the end of June, and gave fans of Queen Bey a taste of what to expect.

Here are five things you need to know about Black Is King.

It's inspired by 'The Lion King'

July 31 marks the first anniversary of the release of Disney's live-action remake of The Lion King.

Black Is King aims to reimagine the lessons of that film "for today's young kings and queens in search of their own crowns", a statement explains.

It is based on the music of Beyonce's soundtrack album The Lion King: The Gift and stars featured artists, including Childish Gambino, Kendrick Lamar, Pharrell, 070 Shake, Tierra Whack, Jay Z, Blue Ivy Carter and Jessie Reyez, as well as African artists including Wizkid, Shatta Wale, Burna Boy, Mr Eazi, Tiwa Savage, Tekno, Yemi Alade, Busiswa and Salatiel.

There will also be some other guest appearances in the film.

It's going to be a true feast for the eyes

Judging by the trailer, which runs for more than one minute, no expense has been spared in the making of this film.

The chosen clips prove it's an amalgamation of elaborate costumes, interspersed with special effects and some incredible choreography, naturally.

Watch the full trailer here:

It's a story about a young king

The voyages of Black families throughout time are honoured in the film. It's about a young king's journey through betrayal, love and self identity, as his ancestors help guide him to his destiny. He uses his father's teachings, as well as guidance from his childhood love, to earn the virtues he needs in order to reclaim his home and throne.

It's a celebration of Black culture

The lessons of the young king are reflected through voices of today, "now sitting in their own power", says the statement.

Overall, this story aims to emphasise the beauty of tradition, and celebrate Black resilience, culture and excellence. It is "an affirmation of a grand purpose, with lush visuals".

Videos for My PowerMood 4 Eva and Brown Skin Girl are set to be elegant and soulful.

"The film is a story for the ages that informs and rebuilds the present. A reunion of cultures and shared generational beliefs. A story of how the people left most broken have an extraordinary gift and a purposeful future."

epa07706634 US singer Beyonce poses for photographers on the red carpet prior to the world premiere of 'The Lion King' at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, California, USA, 09 July 2019. The film will be released in US theaters on 19 July.  EPA-EFE/ETIENNE LAURENT
Beyonce created a soundtrack album for 'The Lion King'. EPA

Beyonce has something very significant to say

The singer-songwriter also recently released a surprise single called Black Parade, on Juneteenth. She announced on her website that proceeds from the song will benefit Black-owned small businesses through her BeyGOOD initiative.

"Black excellence is a form of protest," the post on her site said. "Black joy is your right."

Last month, she also received the humanitarian award at the BET Awards, and dedicated this accolade to Black Lives Matter protesters in America, urging them to vote in the coming elections.

“I want to dedicate this award to all of my brothers out there, all of my sisters out there inspiring me, marching and fighting for change," she said in her acceptance speech.

"Your voices are being heard and you’re proving to our ancestors that their struggles were not in vain. Now we have one more thing we need to do to walk in our true power, and that is to vote.

“I’m encouraging you to continue to take action, continue to change and dismantle a racist and unequal system."