It’s been six years since Rihanna last released a song, and four years since the first Black Panther movie premiered. Now, the wait for both to return is almost over.
Rihanna will officially debut her new single, “Lift Me Up,” on Friday, October 28. The song was written as a tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman, and will be a part of the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.
Rihanna co-wrote the track with Tems, Oscar winner Ludwig Göransson, and Ryan Coogler, director of the Black Panther films.
“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,” said Tems. “Rihanna has been an inspiration to me so hearing her convey this song is a great honor.”
“Lift Me Up” will release via Rihanna’s Westbury Road label, in partnership with Roc Nation, Def Jam Recordings, and Hollywood Records.
In Marvel’s 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.
Wakanda Forever premieres in theaters November 11. You can listen to Rihanna’s single from the film, “Lift Me Up,” starting October 28. (That gives you at least two days to head out and buy some tissues. I have a feeling we’re going to need them listening to this.)
So, are you looking forward to Rihanna’s return to music? What do you hope to see in the Black Panther sequel? Let us know in the comments below.
