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Beyoncé has announced The Lion King: The Gift, a new collection of Lion King-inspired music written and performed by a selection of African artists curated by Beyoncé. A compilation album that exists separately to the already-announced Lion King soundtrack, The Lion King: The Gift will also feature “Spirit,” a new song written and produced by Beyoncé that appears in The Lion King. A press release states that “Spirit” “appears in the film, during a pivotal scene with Beyoncé’s character Nala,” and will be on both The Gift and the main soundtrack.
“This is sonic cinema,” Beyoncé says of the record. “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. 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 will be available on July 19th.
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