Beyonce's Black Face Photo Shoot

The Crazy In Love singer was modelling a series of outfits for the fashion magazine's 'African Queen' themed 90th anniversary issue, in which she appears on the cover.

But while most of the shots feature Beyoncé wearing glamorous African-inspired clothes and make-up, in some she is wearing dark brown paint.

Critics have likened the paint to an offensive 'blackface', although the make-up choice is apparently a tribute Nigerian musician and political activist Fela Kuti, who inspired the Broadway show Fela!

'Officiel Paris have released a statement regarding the shoot, in which they acknowledge the singer's face was 'voluntarily darkened' but say the images are 'beautiful and inspiring.'

In the statement the magazine said: 'The designs are all reflective of the African influence on fashion this season.'

'As for the artistic make-up, the inspiration came from several African rituals during which paint is used on the face.'


Meanwhile the 29-year-old is confirmed to headline this year's Glastonbury festival, alongside bands U2 and Coldplay.

Beyoncé said after confirming her Sunday night slot: ‘This really is the biggest festival in the world and I cannot wait to perform there.

‘I'm pumped just thinking about that huge audience and soaking up their energy.’

Beyonce Black Face In L’Officiel Paris

The March 2011 issue of "L'Officiel" magazine covers features singer Beyonce.

French magazine thought of a special photo shoot as they are into their 90th birthday and snapped singer as theme the African Queen.

To star in this shoot paying tribute to Nigerian musician and human rights activist Fela Kuti,Beyonce seems to be perfect celebrity.

Fela Kuti popular know because throughout his life fought for the rights of the common men, being an activist for Pan-Africanism and anti-colonialism, his beliefs and lifestyle often landing him in jail and he is one of the most controversial musicians.

Beyonce's forthcoming fourth studio album will be really influence by him.

On the cover wearing a gold dress from the Gucci Spring/Summer 2011 collection,Beyonce looks gorgeous.

As always, Beyonce reveals a flawless look, rocking in the inside editorial Victorian dresses, designer clothes, haute couture suits, African-themed clothing pieces, but also a dress designed by her mother.

Beyonce to headline Glastonbury

This year's Glastonbury Festival organizers confirms Beyonceto close the headline slot.

On the main Pyramid Stage with a 90-minute show,the singer has confirmed her participation to round off this summer's event on Sunday June 26.

Beyonce said: "This really is the biggest festival in the world and I cannot wait to perform there. Everyone who attends is really appreciative of music and is in such a good mood that entire weekend.

"I'm pumped just thinking about that huge audience and soaking up their energy."

Beyonce played to 1.1 million fans during her most recent I Am ... World Tour, which ended a year ago.

Gwyneth heaps praise on Beyonce

Beyonce Knowles has been praised by Gwyneth Paltrow expressing her “most talented human being on the planet”.

Both were close friends and regularly holiday together with their respective husbands, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and rapper Jay-Z, and Gwyneth accepts she has a massive amount of professional respect for Beyonce.

She said: “Beyonce is the most talented human being on the planet.

“She has so much mastery over what she does. It's not even confidence – it's on a whole other level. It's mind-blowing.”

She added to the UK edition of Harpers Bazaar magazine: “You don't really think about it, but then sometimes you're all together and someone will say something and you're like, ‘Whoa, this is a crazily talented group! Jesus!’ “

She explained: “I watched her [perform] a lot to see how she did it, and I was like 'S**t! I can’t do that!’ “

She said: “In England, people are cool. They're really laid back and calm. Beyonce did the school run with me once and everyone was fine.” - Bang Showbiz