In what is perhaps the most high profile collaboration of his career, Dancehall artiste Shatta Wale will be featuring on the Lion King album curated by Beyoncé.
Beyoncé curated soundtrack titled ‘The Lion King: The Gift’ will feature new songs performed by multiple artists including some of Africa’s biggest stars.
Some of the artists include Nigeria’s Mr. Eazzi, Yemi Alade, Tiwa Savage and Burna Boy.
The lead single of the soundtrack, “Spirit,” was released on the same night of the red carpet premiere of the 2019 remake of The Lion King.
Shatta Wale has taken to social media to announce the collaboration saying “dem never see wonders.”
BREAKING NEWS !!!!!
beyonce ft shatta Walé ????
Dem never see wonders #Lionking #POWER https://t.co/KpD9DAgUEG— SHATTA WALE (@shattawalegh) July 16, 2019
Shatta wale and @Beyonce ?? pic.twitter.com/3oZ1KBeVTN
— SHATTA WALE (@shattawalegh) July 16, 2019
The album has been described as being influenced by the sounds of Africa.
Beyoncé said in a statement the collaborations with African musicians were important because the film is set in Africa and “authenticity and heart were important to [her].”
“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 now available for streaming on Spotify and Apple Music.
