“Lift Me Up” is the opening single from Marvel’s blockbuster sequel “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and marks Rihanna’s long-awaited return to music.
Tems, Ludwig Goransson, Rihanna, and filmmaker Ryan Coogler penned the song as a homage to Chadwick Boseman’s life and legacy.
It will be released on Friday, October 28, prior to the November 11 theatrical release of the film.
Rihanna teased the song’s melodious hum on social media, but “Variety” adds that little else is known about the song’s style and sound.
“After chatting with Ryan and hearing his vision for the film and the song, I wanted to compose a piece that depicts a loving hug from the folks I’ve lost over my life.
Tems stated, “I tried to envision how it would feel if I could sing to them now and communicate how much I miss them.”
Rihanna has been an influence to me, thus it is a real honor to hear her perform this song.
“Lift Me Up” is being released by Rihanna’s Westbury Road label in collaboration with Roc Nation, Def Jam Recordings, and Hollywood Records. The release date for the remainder of the film’s soundtrack, November 4, remains unknown.
After securing Kendrick Lamar and SZA to write “All The Stars” for the first “Black Panther” film, Marvel’s collaboration with Rihanna – a press release stated that the song “ushers in the next era of Rihanna’s renowned career” – is another significant win.
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The popular song that played over the film’s end credits was nominated for an Oscar for original song and received multiple Grammy nominations. When “Lift Me Up” will appear in the sequel is unknown.
The original soundtrack to “Black Panther” featured music from Schoolboy Q, Vince Staples, Jorja Smith, Travis Scott, the Weeknd, and Khalid, while the score was composed by Goransson.
Boseman, who portrayed King T’Challa in the original “Black Panther,” died at the age of 43 from colon cancer in 2020. The sequel focuses on Wakanda’s leaders as they deal with the death of their monarch and strive to save their homeland from foreign powers.
The film co-stars Angela Bassett, Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o, and Winston Duke.
“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is anticipated to repeat the success of the original film.
The film is anticipated to gross at least $175 million (R3.1billion) in its opening weekend, which would make it one of the year’s most successful debuts.
In 2018, the original “Black Panther” was an instant hit, opening to $202 million and making $700,4 million domestically and $1.3 billion worldwide. It seems likely that the sequel will also surpass $1 billion at the global box office.
In addition to its commercial success, “Black Panther” became the first superhero film to receive an Academy Award nomination for best picture.
Despite losing to “Green Book,” the film won Oscars for costume design, music, and production design.