Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, beauty and fashion mogul Rihanna drops “Lift Me Up” ahead of Marvel’s Blockbuster smash sequel Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Release.
Co-written by Tems, the track is a tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman who played King T’Challa in the original “Black Panther,” There is also a second single that plays during the credits and is produced by The Dream titled “Born Again.”
When the first official trailer was released on October 3rd, an emotional Queen Ramonda cried out “I am Queen of the most powerful nation in the world, and my entire family is gone. Have I not given everything?”
After a 6 year break from music, the Grammy-award-winner returned with THE SONG. It’s a reminder to Africans throughout the diaspora worldwide that when we have nothing at all we have our song, our melody, our harmonies – our music. It’s what has carried us through years and fears with strength and fuel to our faith.
Listening to Rihanna’s theme song for the upcoming film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was like listening to a melodic response to Queen Ramonda’s outcry. Every detail in the ballad track, from the opening hums that gave voice to unspeakable pain to the piano and guitar, brought out the classic beauty. This timeless piece of music is slated to stand the test of time.
“Lift me up/ Hold me down/ Keep me close/ Safe and sound,” she sings in the chorus.
The song carries the weight of both the suffering and the stillness of over 10 to 20 million African souls who made their way through the transatlantic slave trade. It stirs, it soothes, it softens even the hardest of hearts with its whispers of inspiration, a blanket of security, and of the promise of love.
“Drowning in an endless sea/ Take some time and stay with me/ Keep me in the strength of your arms/ Keep me safe/ Safe and sound,” she sings in the second verse.
Fans flocked by the millions to streaming platforms commenting and sharing the type of impact her new music had on them. On YouTube Music, one fan wrote “I have missed Rihanna’s voice so much, she has a beautiful voice. This song was emotional and beautiful.” Another fan wrote, “This beauty Rihanna poured upon us goes for our KING….forever.”
Listen to this Rihanna’s beautiful inspiring ballad “Lift Me Up” below. The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever hits theaters on November 11th, 2022. “Lift Me Up” is currently available on all streaming platforms.