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    OPINION: We Are Africans. Here's Our View Of Beyoncé's 'Black Is King'

    Esther Ngumbi, a professor from Kenya, and Ifeanyi Nsofor, a doctor in Nigeria, react to the megastar's movie-length music video — and to criticisms from other Africans.
    by Ifeanyi Nsofor Aug 07, 2020 4 minutes

    There are two kinds of reactions to Beyoncé's new Black Is King video: lavish praise – and deep criticism. The praise comes from her many fans and from many reviewers. The criticism often comes from Africans.

    We are both from Africa. Esther Ngumbi was born and grew up in Kenya. Ifeanyi Nsofor was born and grew up in Nigeria. We can understand the critiques – and have some of our own. But in the end, we think the positives outweigh the problems.

    In a world full of racism, a world where being Black makes many doubt their capabilities, Beyoncé Knowles' – a visual companion to the 2019 album — is a breath of fresh air. In it she shows that Black is beautiful. Black is glorious. The 85-minute film, written, directed and produced by Beyoncé, was released on July 31 on Disney+.

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