Formation by Beyonce - Context

Question 1

When was Formation released?

Answer 1

• Formation, lead single for the album Lemonade, was released the day before Beyoncé performed at the Super Bowl final in February 2016.

Question 2

Who was the director for Formation?

Answer 2

• The Formation music video, directed by Melina Matsoukas, was released with the song.

Question 3

What awards has Formation won/been nominated for?

Answer 3

• This music video has won numerous awards including a Clio Award for Innovation and Creative Excellence in a Music Video at the 2016 awards, and has been nominated in the music video category at the 59th Grammy Awards.

Question 4

Historical context of Formation

Answer 4

• The video is set against the backdrop of the flooding in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina and the associated racial tension in America, and also draws historical parallels
  with references to racism and slavery.

Question 5

Economic/Political context

Answer 5

• The video was released
  the day before her Super Bowl performance. The combination of this release date and a performance
  to over 100 million people impacted the global circulation of the video and the financial gain for Beyoncé and her collaborators.