No More Local Champion! Shatta Wale lands Beyoncé Collaboration

For what seems to end the local champion acclamation on Dancehall artiste Shatta Wale, he has been featured on the ‘The Lion King’ album arranged by American singer, songwriter and actress Beyoncé.

The album has been described as being influenced by the sounds of Africa. It has the likes of Nigeria’s Mr. Eazzi, Yemi Alade, Tiwa Savage and Burna Boy on it.

It  features contributions from Kendrick Lamar, JAY-Z, Childish Gambino, 070 Shake, Tierra Whack, Pharrell.

A statement by Walt Disney announced on Tuesday (July 9) said the collaborations with African musicians were important because the film is set in Africa and “authenticity and heart were important to [her].”

”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.

“I wanted to put everyone on their own journey to link the storyline,” she continued. “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.”

The album according to sources is inspired by the remake of Disney’s Lion King in a non-animated version in which Beyonce played the role of Nala.

Shatta Wale’s Inclusion

Aftermath of the news, Social media has been buzzing with congratulatory messages from all walks of life to Shatta Wale.

He is the only Ghanaian on the list of 10 African artistes to be featured on the Album.

Taking to Twitter to share the news, the ‘My Level’ hitmaker posted a photo of the tracklist with his name circled. He tagged Beyoncé on the post.

”BREAKING NEWS !!!!! @beyonce ft shatta Walé ???? Dem never see wonders #Lionking #POWER”

The album is expected to be out come Friday, 19th July.

Album Tracklist

The Lion King: The Gift:

01 Beyoncé: “Bigger”
02 Beyoncé: “Find Your Way Back (Circle of Life)”
03 Tekno / Yemi Alade / Mr. Eazi: “Don’t Jealous Me”
04 Burna Boy: “Ja Ara E”
05 Beyoncé / Kendrick Lamar: “The Nile”
06 Beyoncé / JAY-Z / Childish Gambino: “Mood 4 Eva”
07 Salatiel / Pharrell / Beyoncé: “Water”
08 Blue Ivy Carter / SAINt JHN / WizKid / Beyoncé: “Brown Skin Girl”
09 Tiwa Savage / Mr. Eazi: “Keys to the Kingdom”
10 Beyoncé: “Otherside”
11 Beyoncé / Shatta Wale: “Already”
12 Tierra Whack / Beyoncé / Busiswa / Yemi Alade / Moonchild Sanelly: “My Power”
13 070 Shake / Jessie Reyez: “Scar”
14 Beyoncé: “Spirit”

Guiltybeatz Produces 3 Songs

Making Ghana proud on the album, is multiple-award-winning and talented producers, Guitybeatz.

Guiltybeatz had production credits on three of the songs on the album namely, “Find Your Way Back (Circle of Life)” by Beyonce , ‘All Ready’ by Shatta Wale and Beyonce; and ‘Keys to The Kingdom’ by Tiwa Savage and Mr Eazi.

Taking to social media, he wrote:

“God put me here, all Thanks to the most high. Last night at #LionKing Premiere GuiltyBeatz Representing”.