It's a big week for the South African entertainment industry as well as African fashion, thanks to the live-action remake of The Lion King that has the world bustling.
Not only are two local hit-makers Busiswa and Moonchild Sanelly featured on a track from "The Lion King: The Gift" album, but it was just this past weekend when we applauded the news of local designer David Tlale, dressing Florence Kasumba - who plays the hyena Shenzi - for the London premiere of the movie.
READ MORE: The Lion King’s Florence Kasumba stuns in David Tlale at movie’s London premiere
And now another African designer that can take pride in being a part of The Lion King glory is Senegalese designer Sarah Diouf, of Tongoro whose work appears in the "Spirit" music video.
In true Bey fashion, she surprised us with the music video for her new single from the movie's soundtrack last night, describing it as a "love letter to Africa".
In this video with absolutely phenomenal visuals, the multi award-winning star appears in one of the scenes clad in a bespoke Tongoro Studio BAMAKO suit and bustier, custom durag, earrings, and their CAIRO face piece. All styled by Beyoncé's stylist, Zerina Akers.
Beyoncé. ????https://t.co/zBMRlPYVPl #SpiritMusicVideo pic.twitter.com/P5piLLkpCz
— BEYONCÉ LEGION (@BeyLegion) July 17, 2019
Expressing her elation on Instagram, Sarah reveals that the BAMAKO suit - which will now essentially be etched in pop culture and fashion history - was inspired by her "endless love for the father of African photography, Malick Sidibe."
In another caption, the designer shares that "20 years ago I was watching #TheLionKing for the first time with my brother [Instagram handle], and today — somehow — I get to be a small part of it. How bigger can I dream...?"This officially marks the fifth time the "Spirit" singer is seen in Tongoro. Not to mention the fact that she's the first and only celebrity to ever wear this almost 3-year-old Senegalese label.
Last year, she landed at Lanseria Airport in the label's ZANZI two-piece, and was then spotted in a custom MALIKI suit during her Global Citizen Festival visit. One of her performance looks at this festival was a Quiteria & George gown that they collaborated on with actress Enhle Mbali Maphumulo.
Beyoncé's stylist Zerina, then dressed her in an ensemble from Mmuso Maxwell's Spring/Summer '16 collection shortly after. Rich Mnisi's custom Rhundzu Blouse and Crocodile Half-pleat skirt were also proudly worn by Mrs Carter while sightseeing with her husband Jay Z.
In an interview with ABC News, Bey explained how the concept of the video in which her eldest daughter Blue Ivy also appears, is to "show how God is the painter and natural beauty and nature needs no art direction."
"It's the beauty of colour, the beauty of melanin, the beauty of tradition," she added.
And after watching the "Spirit" music video, you might just also truly believe that...
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