Beyoncé Drops New Single From The Lion King: The Gift Album

23-time Grammy winning-singer Beyoncé Knowles-Carter has officially released a brand new single titled “Spirit” from the soundtrack of Walt Disney Pictures‘ upcoming live-action adaptation of The Lion King. Co-produced by Ilya Salmanzadeh, and Timothy McKenzie, the song is expected to play in the film during a pivotal scene involving Beyoncé’s character Nala. You can listen to the powerful song in the player below and download it by clicking here!

In addition, Disney has also announced that the live-action remake’s upcoming soundtrack will be titled “The Lion King: The Gift” which will be produced and curated by Beyoncé. The album will be a different release from the original motion picture soundtrack that is being produced by Hans Zimmer and Jon Favreau. It will be featuring global recording artists and steeped in the sounds of Africa and is scheduled for release on July 19 which is the same day as the film’s theatrical release.

“This is sonic cinema,” Beyoncé said in a statement.“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.”

On the process of creating the album, she added, “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.”

Lions rule the African savanna in The Lion King, which welcomes Donald Glover (Atlanta, Solo: A Star Wars Story) as future-king Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter (Dreamgirls, “Lemonade” visual album) as Simba’s friend-turned-love interest Nala, and James Earl Jones (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Field of Dreams) as Simba’s wise and loving father, Mufasa, reprising his iconic performance from Disney’s 1994 animated classic. You can pick up a copy of the 1994 version here.

Directed by Jon Favreau (The Jungle Book), Disney’s The Lion King opens in theatres July 19. Get your tickets by clicking here!

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