Beyoncé is producing the soundtrack for Disney’s new live-action version of The Lion King.

This is guaranteed to introduce a whole new level of feeling to the already emotional film – Mufasa dying ruined many a childhood.

In keeping with the original animated film, Disney says that the album is going to be “steeped in the sounds of Africa”.

The first single – Beyoncé’s ‘Spirit’ – was released yesterday, and the first words you hear are in Swahili.

BBC reports that Beyoncé insisted that songs on the soundtrack featured the work of African producers.

“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…

“It is a mixture of genres and collaboration that isn’t one sound. It is influenced by everything from R&B, hip-hop and Afro Beat.”

It’s obviously amazing. Of course, because it’s Beyoncé.

Listen:

The Swahili at the start of the track (which the subtitle people on the above video were clearly not keen to tackle) is:

“Uishi kwa mda mrefu mfalme,”/ “uishi kwa”.

The phrase means, “Long live the king.”

I still have mixed feelings about watching Mufasa die in HD – I’m not ready –  but I’ll definitely give the soundtrack a listen.

[source:bbc]