Beyonce 'blacks up' for magazine shoot

Beyonce has had black face paint put on as part of her cover photo shoot for one of France's premiere magazines.

L'Officiel has defended the shoot saying Beyonce was "paying homage to African queen" but there's no word from Beyonce's people.

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

The 90th anniversary cover issue of the magazine comes out in March.

The Grammy award winner recently announced she will be headlining the last day of Glastonbury this summer.

L'Officiel added: "Miss Knowles poses with royal allure. A queen, a goddess, Beyonce is a bombshell beauty with a divine voice."

The magazine had been looking for something special to celebrate its anniversary and wanted to reflect African influences in fashion.

There have been reports the star posed in tribute to African singer Fela Kuti.

She told the magazine he was one of her "musical inspirations".

But L'Officiel say that was not the reason behind the shoot: "As for the artistic make-up, the inspiration came from several African rituals during which paint is used on the face. We find the images beautiful and inspiring."