By joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Rihanna is making her eagerly awaited comeback to the airwaves. The singer announced on Wednesday that she will be releasing a brand-new original song, which also happens to be the first tune on the upcoming Black Panther: Wakanda Forever album.
According to a press statement, Tems, Oscar winner Ludwig Göransson, Rihanna, and filmmaker Ryan Coogler wrote the song “Lift Me Up” as a homage to Chadwick Boseman’s life and work. The song was produced by Göransson and was recorded in five different nations.
“After speaking with Ryan and hearing his direction for the film and the song, I wanted to write something that portrays a warm embrace from all the people that I’ve lost in my life. I tried to imagine what it would feel like if I could sing to them now and express how much I miss them,” In a statement, Tems stated. . “Rihanna has been an inspiration to me so hearing her convey this song is a great honor.”
Boseman, who portrayed Black Panther’s King T’Challa, passed away at the age of 43 following a four-year battle with colon cancer. Fans may see for the first time in Wakanda Forever how the country has operated in the immediate wake of the universe’s five-year “blip,” as well as how Wakanda is coping with the death of its King. Wakanda is now without its Black Panther as a result of T’Challa’s passing, making Wakanda appear vulnerable to the rest of the world.
Coogler and the cast, which includes recurring performers Angela Bassett, Lupita Nyong’o, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Danai Gurira, and Florence Kasumba, have been open about how the movie honors Boseman following his passing and how it depicts the actors’ real-life healing journeys during filming.
The song “Lift Me Up” also marks the beginning of Rihanna’s legendary career’s next phase. The 34-year-old vocalist has appeared on numerous tracks, but she hasn’t put out an album since 2016. The revelation of her future original song comes after the recent declaration that the young mother will be the featured performer at the 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From and Inspired By, the soundtrack, will be available on November 4; the score, written and produced by Göransson, will follow on November 11.
Along with Roc Nation, Def Jam Recordings, and Hollywood Records, Rihanna’s Westbury Road label will release “Lift Me Up” on October 28.