Beyonce’s Gift To Africa (with Ivie Ani)

EPISODE 128

For the live action remake of the Lion King, Beyoncé, (who voices Nala in the film), recorded and curated a companion soundtrack called The Gift. She worked with leading Afropop stars to expose the music of the continent to a global audience. In her piece, “Diversity Is in the Details: What Beyoncé’s ‘The Lion King: The Gift’ Gets Right and Wrong,” Okayplayer music editor Ivie Ani argues that the album highlights music while unintentionally treating the continent as a monolith. Ani joins Switched On Pop to break down this album and what it means for Afropop.

BONUS
Listen to Blinky and Ivie’s East African playlist recommendations

SONGS DISCUSSED

Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Childish Gambino, Oumou Sangaré – MOOD 4 EVA

Oumou Sangaré – Diaraby Nen

Burna Boy – JA ARA

Fela Kuti – Water No Get Enemy

Fena, MDQ, Mayonde, Kagwe, Blinky Bill – PARTY NATION