Rihanna didn’t even let the speculation last long. Hours after Marvel teased the singer’s fans with a post linking Black Panther 2’s soundtrack to the letter R, the artist confirmed that she will be releasing the song Lift Me Up this Friday (28). The song will be the theme for Wakanda Forever.
According to Variety, Lift Me Up pays homage to the life and legacy of actor Chadwick Boseman (19762020), who played the hero in the first film. In addition to performing, Rihanna wrote the song in collaboration with Nigerian artist Tems, Academy Award winner Ludwig Göransson and director Ryan Coogler.
“After speaking to Ryan and hearing about his plans for the film and the song, I wanted to write something that would be a warm hug to all of the people I’ve lost in my life. I tried to imagine what it would be like if I could sing for her today and express how much I miss her,” Tems said in a press release. “Rihanna was an inspiration to me and to see her on this song is an incredible honor.”
Lift Me Up marks Rihanna’s return to music the artist hasn’t released an album since Anti 2016. Since then, the Barbadian singer has only released two lead singles, Lemon (with hiphop duo NERD) and Believe It (with PartyNextDoor) . . However, the two songs were part of their respective producers’ records and threw a bucket of cold water at those expecting a new Rihanna solo album. She has also performed feats with Future (Selfish), DJ Khaled (Wild Thoughts) and Kendrick Lamar (Loyalty).
With the confirmation that Riri will be featured on the Black Panther 2 soundtrack, all indications are that the artist will be resuming the vocal side with everything. She’s confirmed for the Super Bowl halftime show in 2023, and rumor has it that the singer is still preparing a new album and stadium tour.
Reuniting characters like Shuri (Letitia Wright) and Okoye (Danai Gurira), Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which opens in Brazilian theaters November 10, will explore the impact of T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) on the nation of Wakanda and the rise of Namor (Tenoch Huerta) in the Avengers universe.
According to Disney, Black Panther 2 will be two hours and 41 minutes long. The new film is second only to Avengers: Endgame (2019). The conclusion of Phase 3 of the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) has passed the three hour mark.
It is worth remembering that the song All the Stars, performed by Kendrick Lamar and SZA and featured in the credits of the first Black Panther (2018), won the Oscar for Best Song. Will the award go to Riri next year?