Written by Erin Doyle
Coachella, nay, the world was not ready for what Beyonce pumped out: two nights of incredible performances that were much about history as they were history in the making.
Homecoming: A Film by Beyonce, premiered early Wednesday as well as Homecoming: The Live Album which became number one on the charts in mere hours.
Written, directed, and produced by the singer, this film was shot over eight months. This project is an inside-look of the making of this masterpiece and the performance itself which made her the first black woman to ever headline Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
Popularly known as “Beychella” this performance utilized the entire stage, featuring an orchestra obtained from Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU). Homecoming, a famous annual celebration at HBCU’s around the United States, is seen as a counterpoint to the whiteness of Coachella, something Beyonce and her team hinted at throughout the documentary.
Beyonce reiterates, “Instead of me pulling out my flower crown, it was more important that I brought our culture to Coachella.” In a performance that celebrated the beauty of black culture, the HBCU experience was an important piece to center her concert around.There were guest appearances by Destiny’s Child, her sister Solange, and her husband Jay-Z.
Beyonce is often pretty quiet about her life. She no longer gives interviews and everything she mentioned was about her performance. However, she opens us about the emotions she felt making this masterpiece and her pregnancy. As she had to cancel the year prior due to her unexpected pregnancy, she made sure not to disappoint. She sheds light on how she devoted her life to learning choreography, making every single outfit, and mastering every move while breastfeeding every few hours. “I respect things that take work,” she explains, “I was very adamant that we would know the show from front to back.”
To put it bluntly, every song is amazing. Amazing performances to note are “Run The World,” “Lift Every Voice & Sing,” “Hold Up” and “Freedom.” Her vocals were impeccable and any person watching can’t help but be amazed how she could sing, dance, and still be able to look like she’s having a blast. She makes it look effortless and this is the reason why Coachella 2018 has been since called “Beychella.”
Beyonce has now irrevocably raised the bar for every future Coachella headliner for the rest of its time. Homecoming is a testament to her hard work and international celebration of black excellence.
