Beyoncé has released the first single off her forthcoming album inspired by The Lion King.
“Spirit” was co-written with Ilya Salmanzadeh and Timothy McKenzie.
The Lion King: The Gift, produced and curated by Queen Bey, will drop 7/19, the same day the movie opens. According to Disney, the collection features “global artists” and is “steeped in the sounds of Africa.”
In a statement, Beyoncé said: “This is sonic cinema. 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.”
Beyoncé added: “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 official Lion King soundtrack, which is out July 11, includes an updated version of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” by Beyoncé and Donald Glover, who voices Simba in the movie. Beyoncé voices Nala.
Listen to “Spirit” below: