Beyonce’s ‘Brown Skin Girl’ from her latest album, The Lion King: The Gift, had girls and women around the world celebrating their beautiful brown skin in 2019.
A much-needed ode to Black women, a portion of the song’s lyrics paid specific homage to Hollywood beauties like singer and actress Kelly Rowland, iconic supermodel Naomi Campbell and award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o. When the uplifting anthem sparked a social media challenge shortly after its’ release this past July, Nyong’o was among thousands who joined in on the fun.
ESSENCE caught up with the talented actress at the annual HSA Mask Ball in Harlem and she shared a little about the conversation she had with Jay Z about the chart-topping song. But this wasn’t the first time she’s popped up on the Carter’s musical radar. As some may remember, Lupita also starred in the 2017 music video for Jay Z’s single “MaNyfaCedGod” from his album, 4:44.
The actress also elaborated on her initial reaction to hearing ‘Brown Skin Girl’ for the first time, whether or not she’s spoken to Beyonce since its’ release and why it was such an honor be mentioned in the lyrics.
Hear what she had to say in the video clip above.