Global icon Rihanna makes her highly anticipated return to the airwaves on Friday, October 28, with “Lift Me Up,” the lead single from the upcoming Black Panther: Wakanda Forever original soundtrack.
“Lift Me Up” was written by Rihanna, Tems, Ludwig Göransson, and Ryan Coogler as a tribute to the extraordinary life and legacy of late Disney Legend Chadwick Boseman. The song was recorded in five countries and produced by Göransson. The song will be released via Rihanna’s own Westbury Road label in partnership with Roc Nation, Def Jam Recordings, and Hollywood Records.
“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,” said Tems. “I tried to imagine what it would feel like if I could sing to them now and express how much I miss them. Rihanna has been an inspiration to me so hearing her convey this song is a great honor.”
In Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and the Dora Milaje (including Florence Kasumba) fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with the help of War Dog Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda. Introducing Tenoch Huerta Mejía as Namor, king of a hidden undersea nation, the film also stars Dominique Thorne, Michaela Coel, Mabel Cadena, and Alex Livinalli.
Coogler returns as director, with Kevin Feige and Nate Moore serving as producers.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever premieres in U.S. theaters on Friday, November 11, 2022.
The soundtrack, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From and Inspired By, will be available on Friday, November 4. Coogler, Göransson, Archie Davis, and Dave Jordan serve as the producers. The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Original Score, composed and produced by Göransson, will be available on Friday, November 11, from Hollywood Records.