Beyoncé's 'Black Is King' is packed with gorgeous visuals, cameos, and pan-African details. Here's everything you may have missed.

Callie AhlgrimAug 11, 2020, 04:50 IST

Beyoncé wrote, directed, and starred in "Black Is King."Disney Plus

Beyoncé recently released her newest visual album, "Black Is King," on Disney Plus.
The film is designed as a companion piece to "The Gift," which Beyoncé curated to correspond with her role as Nala in Disney's 2019 "The Lion King" remake.
The hour-long project took more than one year to film, in a variety of locations worldwide such as Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, New York, California, and Belgium.
Every scene is packed with carefully chosen outfits, references to the original "Lion King" story, and allusions to pan-African cultures, beliefs, and rituals.
We broke down the movie's most important visuals and created a guide of more than 100 details you may have missed.

Beyoncé's newest visual album may be her most culturally dense and aesthetically rich project to date.

"Black Is King," which arrived on Disney Plus on Friday, is designed as a companion piece to "The Gift," which Beyoncé curated to correspond with her role as Nala in Disney's 2019 "The Lion King" remake.

Indeed, the hour-long film loosely follows a "Lion King"-inspired plot. It stars Beyoncé alongside a young African prince, who must explore his own culture and history in order to grow up and reclaim his proverbial throne.

But beyond that character arc, every scene is packed with carefully chosen outfits, evocative imagery, and allusions to pan-African communities, beliefs, and rituals.

"With this visual album, I wanted to present elements of Black history and African tradition, with a modern twist and a universal message, and what it truly means to find your self-identity and build a legacy," Beyoncé wrote on Instagram. "I spent a lot of time exploring and absorbing the lessons of past generations and the rich history of different African customs."

"I only hope that from watching, you leave feeling inspired to continue building a legacy that impacts the world in an immeasurable way. I pray that everyone sees the beauty and resilience of our people."

Insider broke down the movie's most important moments and created a guide of more than 100 details you may have missed.

Note: Bria Overs contributed reporting to this piece.

The film begins with a woven basket floating down a river, evoking the Biblical story of Moses.

"Black Is King" makes many references to the Nile River. Disney Plus

Beyoncé is introduced as a kind of maternal figure or spiritual guide.

Beyoncé wrote and directed "Black Is King." Disney Plus

Next, she appears on a picturesque beach, holding a Black baby.

"Black Is King" was filmed in various locations, including South Africa and Belgium. Disney Plus

The scene appears to mimic baptism, a holy Christian ceremony.

Beyoncé walks past women holding baskets of pink flowers. Disney Plus

Dancer Stephen Ojo makes his first appearance as the "blue man," whose body paint may reference Gullah folktales.

Stephen Ojo has a dance-heavy role in the film. Disney Plus

Beyoncé marks the baby's face with white paint, which recalls Rafiki anointing Simba.

Simba's forehead is marked as a baby, both in "Black Is King" and "The Lion King." Disney Plus

Blue Ivy makes her first appearance while Beyoncé sings, "I'll be the roots, you'll be the tree / Pass on the fruit that was given to me / Legacy."

Blue Ivy Carter is Beyoncé's eldest child. Disney Plus

During an intermission in "Bigger," the film's royal family is officially introduced.

The symbol above the family is taken from Beyoncé's "The Gift" cover art. Disney Plus

"Black Is King" loosely follows the famous "Lion King" storyline. The young, Simba-like prince is portrayed by Folajomi Akinmurele.

Folajomi Akinmurele portrays a young African prince, similar to Simba. Disney Plus

As Simba's face is again marked with white paint, a portrait of Beyoncé hangs in the background.

Beyoncé is depicted with a golden halo. Disney Plus

Beyoncé wears cow print and bull horns, which symbolized divinity and fertility in ancient Egypt.

She is also depicted on horseback. Disney Plus

These red rope dresses were designed by Déviant La Vie.

Déviant La Vie was founded by Brittany Duet and her partner, Murph. Disney Plus

Once again, Beyoncé gives the young prince white markings on his face.

White is a prominent color during the performance of "Bigger." Disney Plus

The film draws a connection between Black youth and ancient royalty.

The young prince receives a golden idol, shaped like a crown, from his father. Disney Plus

The young prince is represented as a shooting star: a direct descendant of the "great kings" in the sky.

This celestial scene preludes Beyoncé's performance of "Find Your Way Back." Disney Plus

When the shooting star crash-lands behind Beyoncé, her body is painted with black and green stripes.

The body paint was applied by makeup artist Francesca Tolot. Disney Plus

Many of the glittering accessories that Beyoncé wears throughout the film were custom-made by Laurel DeWitt.

This crystal turban was custom-made by Laurel DeWitt. Disney Plus

Beyoncé's diamond-encrusted bodysuits in "Find Your Way Back" were designed by D.Bleu.Dazzled.

D.Bleu.Dazzled was founded by Ohio native Destiney Bleu. Disney Plus

Beyoncé's sunglasses were designed by Kerin Rose Gold's eyewear and accessory line, A-Morir.

A-Morir pieces are handmade in New York City. Disney Plus

This crystal cape is a custom piece by Lace by Tanaya, inspired by the rain.

She is also wearing Chanel earrings. Disney Plus

This dazzling look is by the New York City-based studio AREA.

AREA was founded in 2014. Disney Plus

This striped, crystal couture dress was designed by Vrettos Vrettakos, in collaboration with Swarovski.

Vrettos Vrettakos is a Greek designer. Disney Plus

The larger-than-life moon in "Find Your Way Back" is an important motif.

The moon is often used as a feminine symbol. Disney Plus

These dancers' outfits seem inspired by Dogon rituals.

The dancers' masks resemble Dogon kanaga masks. Disney Plus

"Find Your Way Back" is followed by some kind of royal ceremony — where we're introduced to Scar.

Warren Masemola plays the Scar-inspired character, right. Disney Plus

The elephant graveyard is represented by a dimly lit warehouse.

The Simba-inspired character begins to lose his way. Disney Plus

Lord Afrixana appears wearing all white, his shoulders draped with a massive python.

Lord Afrixana is a singer from Ghana. Disney Plus

Beyoncé also wears a snake in this scene, possibly to symbolize wealth and danger.

The Burmese python, which is typically yellow, is one of the largest species of snakes in the world. Disney Plus

Yemi Alade makes a memorable appearance to perform "Don't Jealous Me."

Yemi Alade a Nigerian singer and songwriter. Disney Plus

A motorcycle gang represents the infamous stampede in "The Lion King."

The motorcyclists come through the village at night. Disney Plus

Jessie Reyez shows up to perform the villainous theme "Scar."

Jessie Reyez is a Canadian singer-songwriter. Disney Plus

Flanked by motorcycles, Scar symbolically takes the throne.

He crawls towards the camera. Disney Plus

Next, we see Mufasa's funeral, bathed in all white.

Beyoncé leads the procession. Disney Plus

Beyoncé performs "Nile" in an all-white lace-and-rope dress.

"Nile," featuring Kendrick Lamar, is the 10th track on "The Gift." Disney Plus

Simba's transition into a carefree life is represented by a cheetah-print convertible Rolls Royce.

Simba is chauffeured by another person wearing Dogon-inspired garb. Disney Plus

The prince appears to imagine himself as Jay-Z, arriving at a mansion with Adidas-clad butlers.

Beyoncé has a partnership with Adidas — although Jay-Z is a creative director for Puma. Disney Plus

The "mood" masks, worn by both Beyoncé and Simba, underscore how "Mood 4 Eva" is designed like a dream sequence.

Pink flower petals fall on the prince as he dreams. Disney Plus

Later, Jay-Z and Simba also wear matching outfits.

"Mood 4 Eva," featuring Jay-Z, Childish Gambino, and Oumou Sangaré, is the 12th track on "The Gift." Disney Plus

Another painting of Beyoncé as a saint-like maternal figure, this time accompanied by her three children, hangs in the mansion.

Beyoncé holds her twins, Sir and Rumi, while Blue Ivy looks on. Disney Plus

A painting by Derrick Adams hangs on the wall.

Derrick Adams is a Baltimore-born, Brooklyn-based artist. Disney Plus

This moment echoes a similar scene in Beyoncé's music video for "Partition."

Beyoncé loves a seductive look in the morning. Disney Plus

Another shot echoes Beyoncé and Jay-Z's music video for "Apes**t," which was shot in The Lourve.

Beyoncé wears plenty of animal prints during her performance of "Mood 4 Eva." Disney Plus

It took 10 people and over 300 hours to create this hand-sewn, leopard-print jumpsuit by Valentino.

Again, she wears embellished eyewear by A-Morir. Disney Plus

She also wears a two-piece robe set, designed by Duckie Confetti.

Beyoncé flashes her grill. Disney Plus

This elegant blue gown, with a 16-foot train, is custom Alejandro Collection.

She wears blue lipstick to match. Disney Plus

In one scene, her structural headwear resembles styles from Ekonda and Congolese cultures.

Beyoncé sports many different hairstyles and headpieces throughout "Black Is King." Disney Plus

Kelly Rowland makes a brief appearance.

She will later reappear in the "Brown Skin Girl" sequence. Disney Plus

As does Beyoncé's mother, Tina Knowles Lawson.

She will later reappear in the "Brown Skin Girl" sequence. Disney Plus

Beyoncé cracks open a book titled "Black Gods and Kings."

"Black Gods and Kings" was published in the early '70s. Disney Plus

The brightly colored synchronized swimmers recall the surreal "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" animation from the original "Lion King."

In the original film, "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" is a colorful dance sequence, led by Simba. Disney Plus

At one point, Simba seems to imagine himself dining with Nala.

Young Simba and Nala toast from across a long dining table. Disney Plus

Beyoncé and Jay-Z share a similar — albeit more casual — moment when they eat dinner together in front of the TV.

They would drink expensive champagne with their TV dinner. Disney Plus

A human chessboard emphasizes the concept of duality.

The chess scene follows the performance of "Mood 4 Eva." Disney Plus

Beyoncé is the queen of the white pieces.

White is often used to represent purity or may symbolize spirituality. Disney Plus

The Simba-like prince is now depicted as a grown man.

Simba sees a younger version of himself in the mirror. Black Is King

We are led to believe grown-up Simba is happy in his carefree, frivolous lifestyle.

The women are slightly menacing. Disney Plus

As he drapes his body out of the car window, however, it's revealed he's riding in a hearse.

The neon lights within the car are misleading. Disney Plus

Scar reappears as Simba's driver.

Simba's vision of his uncle is holding the idol his father gave him. Disney Plus

In the next scene, people covered in blue-green paint are adorned with cowry shells.

Ojo, far right, reappears for the performance of "Already." Disney Plus

Beyoncé and her dancers appear in Marine Serre catsuits, covered in the designer's signature crescent moon pattern.

Marine Serre is a French fashion designer, known for using Islamic motifs. Disney Plus

Shatta Wale performs "Already" alongside Beyoncé.

"Already," also featuring Major Lazer, is the 19th track on "The Gift." Disney Plus

Dancers from the DWP Academy in Ghana are featured in the performance of "Already."

DWP stands for "Dance With A Purpose." Disney Plus

Beyoncé continues the blue-green color symbolism with a Nigerian-inspired look by 5:31 Jérôme.

Designer Jerome Lamaar was born and raised in the Bronx. Disney Plus

Her floral catsuit was designed by Samantha Garvey.

Beyoncé and her dancers wear similar floral designs while performing "Already." Disney Plus

She also wears a custom piece by Côte d'Ivoire-based designer Loza Maléombho.

The piece features a structured jacket and plunging neckline. Disney Plus

This brief shot seems to foreshadow the union of Simba and Nala.

Circles often symbolize unity, wholeness, eternity, or even fertility. Disney Plus

The next scene features the African-American Flag, created by David Hammons.

David Hammons created his African-American Flag piece in 1990. Disney Plus

We're reminded of Simba's connection to his deceased father.

"You can't wear a crown with your head down," a woman's voice narrates. Disney Plus

Then, we're officially introduced to grown-up Nala.

Nandi Madida has also launched her own clothing line, Colour. Disney Plus

"You're swimming back to yourself," Beyoncé says. "The coast belongs to our ancestors."

"Water" is the 14th track on "The Gift." Disney Plus

"Water" highlights these themes, signaling the opportunity for redemption.

Beyoncé poses with a water jug on her head, the traditional method of carrying water in rural communities. Black Is King

Cameroonian artist Salatiel is filmed by the shore during his performance of "Water."

Salatiel is also the CEO of Alpha Better records. Disney Plus

Pharrell performs in front of a wall of water jugs.

Pharrell Williams is a 47-year-old singer, rapper, songwriter, and producer. Disney Plus

Pharrell performs in front of a wall of water jugs.

Pharrell Williams is a 47-year-old singer, rapper, songwriter, and producer. Disney Plus

Beyoncé wears a popular pink dress designed by Molly Goddard.

Molly Goddard is a British fashion designer. Disney Plus

She wears a similar gown to appear alongside Nala.

Throughout the performance of "Water," Nala appears to be on a journey. Disney Plus

She also wears a yellow-green gown by Swedish-Eritrean designer Selam Fessahaye.

Selam Fessahaye often mines her heritage for inspiration. Disney Plus

This custom dress was a collaboration between Mia Vesper and Beyoncé's stylist.

Mia Vesper is a New York City designer known for using recycled materials. Disney Plus

This memorable, colorful gown is from Mary Katrantzou's Fall 2019 collection.

Mary Katrantzou is a London-based designer. Disney Plus

Her aqua-colored gown was custom-made by Black-owned fashion house KEÄMA.

Her dancers also wear looks by KEÄMA. Disney Plus

The shot recalls the baptism scene from earlier in the film, during the "Bigger" sequence.

Again, Beyoncé appears in or around a natural body of water. Disney Plus

In this shot, Beyoncé's braids reach to the floor, evoking the story of Rapunzel.

Beyoncé's corset-and-denim look was created by French lingerie designer Michaela Stark. Disney Plus

Finally, Simba and Nala are reunited.

They are reunited under the moon, which plays a major symbolic role in the film. Disney Plus

WizKid makes a cameo to perform "Brown Skin Girl."

WizKid is a Nigerian singer-songwriter. Disney Plus

In this drapey yellow ensemble, Beyoncé evokes the Yoruba deity Osun.

Osun, or Oshun, is most often depicted wearing yellow clothing. Disney Plus

These ballroom shots indict Disney for its lack of Black and brown princesses.

This bird's-eye view makes the debutantes look like swans. Disney Plus

Lupita Nyong'o makes a cameo in "Brown Skin Girl."

Lupita Nyong'o had a breakout role in the 2013 film "12 Years a Slave." Disney Plus

Supermodels Adut Akech and Naomi Campbell also make cameos.

Adut Akech has called Naomi Campbell her "second mother." Disney Plus

Kelly Rowland reappears throughout the song, posing in intimate settings with Beyoncé.

Rowland is preparing to release a new album this year. Disney Plus

Three generations of Knowles women stand together.

Rumi was born in 2017. Disney Plus

Beyoncé evokes Queen Nefertiti with her flat-topped hairstyle.

Beyoncé's hair is built with a column of braids. Disney Plus

African label Tongoro designed two black-and-white looks for "Brown Skin Girl."

Tongoro is a fashion label based in Senegal. Disney Plus

South Asian model Sheerah Ravindren is featured, which many have applauded as a win for representation.

Sheerah Ravindren is featured in "Brown Skin Girl." Disney Plus

Blue Ivy gets a solo moment to shine at the end of the song.

Blue Ivy was born in 2012. Disney Plus

Tiwa Savage performs "Keys to the Kingdom," draped in yellow and framed by geometric patterns.

Tiwa Savage is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and actress. Disney Plus

Mr Eazi also performs his verse in the upbeat song.

Mr Eazi is a Nigerian singer-songwriter. Disney Plus

"Keys to the Kingdom" is the soundtrack for the wedding of Simba and Nala.

Their wedding is an extended scene in the film. Disney Plus

The couple leaves on horseback, riding through a parking garage.

Simba looks less contended than Nala following their nuptials. Disney Plus

Beyoncé appears again, carrying a baby to the river, for her performance of "Otherside."

"Otherside" is the 21st track on "The Gift." Disney Plus

Simba is symbolically reborn in the water, and he reclaims the idol his father gave him.

He rediscovers the small statue his father gave him. Disney Plus

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Beyoncé's 'Black Is King' is packed with gorgeous visuals, cameos, and pan-African details. Here's everything you may have missed.

The film begins with a woven basket floating down a river, evoking the Biblical story of Moses.

Beyoncé is introduced as a kind of maternal figure or spiritual guide.

Next, she appears on a picturesque beach, holding a Black baby.

The scene appears to mimic baptism, a holy Christian ceremony.

Dancer Stephen Ojo makes his first appearance as the "blue man," whose body paint may reference Gullah folktales.

Beyoncé marks the baby's face with white paint, which recalls Rafiki anointing Simba.

Blue Ivy makes her first appearance while Beyoncé sings, "I'll be the roots, you'll be the tree / Pass on the fruit that was given to me / Legacy."

During an intermission in "Bigger," the film's royal family is officially introduced.

"Black Is King" loosely follows the famous "Lion King" storyline. The young, Simba-like prince is portrayed by Folajomi Akinmurele.

As Simba's face is again marked with white paint, a portrait of Beyoncé hangs in the background.

Beyoncé wears cow print and bull horns, which symbolized divinity and fertility in ancient Egypt.

These red rope dresses were designed by Déviant La Vie.

Once again, Beyoncé gives the young prince white markings on his face.

The film draws a connection between Black youth and ancient royalty.

The young prince is represented as a shooting star: a direct descendant of the "great kings" in the sky.

When the shooting star crash-lands behind Beyoncé, her body is painted with black and green stripes.

Many of the glittering accessories that Beyoncé wears throughout the film were custom-made by Laurel DeWitt.

Beyoncé's diamond-encrusted bodysuits in "Find Your Way Back" were designed by D.Bleu.Dazzled.

Beyoncé's sunglasses were designed by Kerin Rose Gold's eyewear and accessory line, A-Morir.

This crystal cape is a custom piece by Lace by Tanaya, inspired by the rain.

This dazzling look is by the New York City-based studio AREA.

This striped, crystal couture dress was designed by Vrettos Vrettakos, in collaboration with Swarovski.

The larger-than-life moon in "Find Your Way Back" is an important motif.

These dancers' outfits seem inspired by Dogon rituals.

"Find Your Way Back" is followed by some kind of royal ceremony — where we're introduced to Scar.

The elephant graveyard is represented by a dimly lit warehouse.

Lord Afrixana appears wearing all white, his shoulders draped with a massive python.

Beyoncé also wears a snake in this scene, possibly to symbolize wealth and danger.

Yemi Alade makes a memorable appearance to perform "Don't Jealous Me."

A motorcycle gang represents the infamous stampede in "The Lion King."

Jessie Reyez shows up to perform the villainous theme "Scar."

Flanked by motorcycles, Scar symbolically takes the throne.

Next, we see Mufasa's funeral, bathed in all white.

Beyoncé performs "Nile" in an all-white lace-and-rope dress.

Simba's transition into a carefree life is represented by a cheetah-print convertible Rolls Royce.

The prince appears to imagine himself as Jay-Z, arriving at a mansion with Adidas-clad butlers.

The "mood" masks, worn by both Beyoncé and Simba, underscore how "Mood 4 Eva" is designed like a dream sequence.

Later, Jay-Z and Simba also wear matching outfits.

Another painting of Beyoncé as a saint-like maternal figure, this time accompanied by her three children, hangs in the mansion.

A painting by Derrick Adams hangs on the wall.

This moment echoes a similar scene in Beyoncé's music video for "Partition."

Another shot echoes Beyoncé and Jay-Z's music video for "Apes**t," which was shot in The Lourve.

It took 10 people and over 300 hours to create this hand-sewn, leopard-print jumpsuit by Valentino.

She also wears a two-piece robe set, designed by Duckie Confetti.

This elegant blue gown, with a 16-foot train, is custom Alejandro Collection.

In one scene, her structural headwear resembles styles from Ekonda and Congolese cultures.

Kelly Rowland makes a brief appearance.

As does Beyoncé's mother, Tina Knowles Lawson.

Beyoncé cracks open a book titled "Black Gods and Kings."

The brightly colored synchronized swimmers recall the surreal "I Just Can't Wait to Be King" animation from the original "Lion King."

At one point, Simba seems to imagine himself dining with Nala.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z share a similar — albeit more casual — moment when they eat dinner together in front of the TV.

A human chessboard emphasizes the concept of duality.

Beyoncé is the queen of the white pieces.

The Simba-like prince is now depicted as a grown man.

We are led to believe grown-up Simba is happy in his carefree, frivolous lifestyle.

As he drapes his body out of the car window, however, it's revealed he's riding in a hearse.

Scar reappears as Simba's driver.

In the next scene, people covered in blue-green paint are adorned with cowry shells.

Beyoncé and her dancers appear in Marine Serre catsuits, covered in the designer's signature crescent moon pattern.

Shatta Wale performs "Already" alongside Beyoncé.

Dancers from the DWP Academy in Ghana are featured in the performance of "Already."

Beyoncé continues the blue-green color symbolism with a Nigerian-inspired look by 5:31 Jérôme.

Her floral catsuit was designed by Samantha Garvey.

She also wears a custom piece by Côte d'Ivoire-based designer Loza Maléombho.

This brief shot seems to foreshadow the union of Simba and Nala.

The next scene features the African-American Flag, created by David Hammons.

We're reminded of Simba's connection to his deceased father.

Then, we're officially introduced to grown-up Nala.

"You're swimming back to yourself," Beyoncé says. "The coast belongs to our ancestors."

"Water" highlights these themes, signaling the opportunity for redemption.

Cameroonian artist Salatiel is filmed by the shore during his performance of "Water."

Pharrell performs in front of a wall of water jugs.

Pharrell performs in front of a wall of water jugs.

Beyoncé wears a popular pink dress designed by Molly Goddard.

She wears a similar gown to appear alongside Nala.

She also wears a yellow-green gown by Swedish-Eritrean designer Selam Fessahaye.

This custom dress was a collaboration between Mia Vesper and Beyoncé's stylist.