Welcome back to the Wichitan’s Song of the Week. In celebration of Black History Month, this week’s pick is “Brown Skin Girl” by Texas-born singer-songwriter Beyoncé, Guyanese American rapper and producer SAINt JHN, American singer Blue Ivy and Nigerian singer-songwriter Wizkid. Released July 19, 2019, as the 15th track on her soundtrack album “The Lion King: The Gift,” “Brown Skin Girl” is about colorism within the black community. But it is also about being unapologetically and audaciously black. “The Lion King: The Gift” isn’t just a soundtrack; it’s a recognition of African culture and African American experiences, and “Brown Skin Girl” is a prime example.

Born in Houston, Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, most commonly known as Beyoncé, is an award-winning singer-songwriter best known for her 2016 album, “Lemonade.”  Since the release of the debut album of her solo career, Beyoncé has received much praise and admiration, not just from fans but from music critics, which has placed her as a highly successful and influential singer. Beyoncé’s high status in the music industry influenced Walt Disney’s decision to task her with creating the soundtrack for its live-action adaptation of the popular animated movie, “The Lion King.” In an interview with Apple Music, Beyoncé said that her goal was to create a soundtrack that was a love letter to Africa and was a celebration of the African American experience. “The Lion King: The Gift” is an album that featured African and African American artists from different backgrounds like Nigerian singer Burna Boy, Cameroonian music executive Salatiel, Ghanaian singer Lord Afrixana, California native Kendrick Lamar and more.

“Brown Skin Girl” is my favorite song from the soundtrack, and one of my favorites from Beyoncé’s entire discography. In “Brown Skin Girl,” Beyoncé, Blue Ivy, SAINt JHN and Wizkid all sing about the experience of being a black woman in America. They talk about colorism within the black community and how many men overlook black women because of systematic stereotypes. In addition to the topic of colorism, the group also talks about the value of black self-identity in women and the struggles that come with accepting that. The song also touches on the importance of not placing their identity in anyone but themselves. Lastly, they sing about being unapologetically and audaciously black and the importance of self-love.

Lyricism, as I’ve stated before, is an important aspect of any song and Beyoncé, Blue Ivy, SAINt JHN and Wizkid understood that when composing the song. Both as a member of Destiny’s Child and throughout her solo career, Beyoncé has been known to be an outstanding songwriter, as evidenced in her multiple awards in songwriting. In “Brown Skin Girl,” the singers use a form of English known as Pidgin English, native to many English-speaking African countries, and they also utilize the literary style of storytelling to perfectly tell the experience of being a black woman in America. My favorite lyric in the entire song is:

“Them men, them gon’ fall in love with you and all of your glory.

Your skin is not only dark, it shines, and it tells your story.

Keep dancin’, they can’t control you.

They watchin’, they all adore you.

If ever you are in doubt

Remember what mama told you”

Colorism within the black community is a topic that does not get talked about as often as it should, but “Brown Skin Girl” forces the listeners to have conversations about it. Beyoncé had a dream, a vision for her soundtrack which the song perfectly explained. The song is a great listen and an amazing tribute in celebration of Black History Month.