Black Is King 2020

On a serene beach within the spiritual realm, a newborn prince is cradled by his maternal ancestor, who enlightens him about his profound significance and destined purpose. She performs sacred rituals, gathering with other women who hold infants, creating a scene rich in tradition and ancestry. As she anoints the young prince with white paint, this sacred act is mirrored in a royal palace, where an elder bestows similar honors upon him. The king, with a touch of gravitas, gifts the young prince a golden scepter, imparting wisdom about their ancestors, who gaze down from the stars, promising eternal guidance and support as they sing a melodic mantra: > “Find Your Way Back.”

In a twist of fate, the curious young boy is lured by a mischievous monkey into a shadowy warehouse. There, he encounters a mysterious man clutching a snake, who inquires about the boy’s identity, though the boy remains silent, lost in his newfound surroundings. Lost in the allure of gold and the thrill of gambling, he is closely observed by his ancestral guardian and the enigmatic blue man, who watch over him in silence as he dives deeper into this perilous existence. Suddenly, chaos erupts when a biker gang, like a dark cloud, surrounds the young prince. In a heroic attempt to rescue him, the king tragically meets his demise, fatally struck by a bike. The prince’s uncle seizes the moment, urging the boy to escape the village before seizing the throne for himself, leading to a devastating betrayal that resonates with themes of loss and power, encapsulated in the haunting ballad: > “Scar.” Meanwhile, the spiritual plane witnesses the ancestor conducting the king’s funeral rites, while the blue man sits in profound solitude, lost in his thoughts.

As time flows, the prince is engulfed in dreams, envisioning a life unburdened by responsibilities: speeding through life’s pleasures, weaving past his ancestral protector and the blue man. This fantasy embodies opulence, filled with lavish clothes, countless servants, and indulgent feasts, encapsulated in the vibrant tune: > “Mood 4 Eva.” However, the weight of reality resurfaces when he recalls his uncle’s rhythmic drumming, causing the scepter to slip from his grasp and plummet into the depths below. A symbolic game of human chess unfolds on the mansion grounds, echoing his father’s teachings, illustrating the constant struggle between good and evil. As the years roll on, the prince matures and relocates to a bustling city, where he dreams of endless parties filled with enchanting women, set against the backdrop of a customized hearse. His driver appears as the ghost of his uncle, taunting him with reminders of his lost birthright, leading him to tumble out of the vehicle and awaken to an epiphany: the pursuit of material wealth ultimately leads to emptiness, channeling the essence of the song: > “Already.” His ancestor reassures him that he will meet his true self once again at the shore, as the blue man disappears into the ocean waves, signaling a deep calling for introspection and rediscovery.

Amidst these transcendent journeys, the prince finds himself reunited with his childhood sweetheart, igniting both love and reflection in the enchanting melody: > “Brown Skin Girl.” Their union culminates in a wedding ceremony, but shadows of self-doubt linger as he grapples with his true purpose, prompting a profound internal conflict.

As nature responds with fury, sending a sandstorm howling across the land, the prince’s ancestor courageously places her infant in a basket, sending it afloat on a river to ensure its survival. This poignant moment echoes through the waters until the basket reaches perilous waters, highlighting the fragility of life and the strength of maternal love. In the spiritual realm, the ancestor joyously reunites with her child, symbolizing the undying bond between generations.

Following this heart-wrenching journey, the ancestor leads the prince back to the river, where he miraculously finds the long-lost scepter, a testament to his reclaimed heritage. Subsequently, he encounters the elder once more, who anoints him with white paint in a powerful baptism, propelling him into the spiritual realm. In a moment of deep emotional release, he reconnects with his father, pouring out his fears and aspirations. The ancestor reignites his inner strength, rallying an army of fierce women by his side, empowering him to confront and expel his uncle from the kingdom in a rallying anthem: > “My Power.”

Victorious, the prince ascends to reclaim his rightful throne, symbolizing not just a return to power but also the restoration of hope. In a final act of love, the ancestor presents the newly crowned king and queen with their own child, encapsulating the cycle of life, as the baby receives the sacred anointing, heralding new beginnings and the promise of a better, brighter kingdom.