RIKO

I remember sitting in the living room watching it with my grandma and her being so amazed by how well done everything was and how Africa was finally being positively brought to the forefront. My mum and grandma would tell me how they were so tired of African cultures being portrayed so poorly in media throughout their lives. Even with Africa being HUGE and having so sooo many different cultures with rich histories, somehow it's always portrayed the same. Then seeing Beyoncé, a huge superstar, showing the wider world the beauty of different countries in Africa and combining it with the stunning music she made with such talented African artists was so heart-warming to see. And the songs!!! They're so powerful and with such gorgeous lyrics, I can't help but tear up every now and then when listening to The Gift as an album.

And so for that reason and so many more, watching Black Is King is a very tender and emotional experience for me. It's such a treasure and something I'll always hold very close to my heart.