Rihannafans know it best: The international superstar’s comeback has been highly anticipated, since the singer hasn’t worked on a new album for over six years. And even though a new album hasn’t been officially announced, at least in 2022 we got to hear her sing inBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever’s end-credits song “Lift Me Up.” And we have filmmakerRyan Cooglerto thank for that.
In an interview withThe Hollywood Reporter, the director revealed that, for a while, whenever he contacted Rihanna’s team he got the answer that fans got more than used to hearing: “She’s not really doing music, but let’s stay in touch.” Having to move on, Coogler wrote the lyrics for the chorus of “Lift Me Up”, which was composed byBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever’sLudwig Goränsson. Coogler’s lyrics reflect not only the pain of losing franchise starChadwick Boseman, but also the responsibilities of being a parent – which representsAngela Bassett’s role of Queen Ramonda and the character’s job to help her surviving child to carry on without her brother.
TheBlack Panther: Wakanda ForeverTrailer Spoke to Rihanna
The firstBlack Panther: Wakanda Forevertrailer was the game-changer: After seeing it, Rihanna decided that after her sabbatical to focus on being a mother, she was ready to “come up for air”, and wanted to be a part of the soundtrack. So, the singer-songwriter collaborated with the lyrics by offering her own contributions about the experience of being a parent. Coogler reveals it was pretty easy to see how Rihanna has changed:
“It’s her experience with loss in there, and her being a mother. She’s a new person now. [Parenthood] changes you to your core. I hear it in her voice. It’s her, but it’s a new her.”
RELATED:‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’: Rihanna Shares Behind the Scenes Video for ‘Lift Me Up’
Black Panther: Wakanda ForeverInspired Rihanna to Collaborate on Two Songs
Aside from “Lift Me Up”, Rihanna also collaborated in another song forBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever. “Born Again” is also a contemplative ballad that reflects the core of the story. Rihanna co-wrote the lyrics for “Born Again” along withJames Fauntleroy, Göransson, andThe Dream. Rihanna will be seen next on February 12, when she will perform at the Superbowl Halftime Show – but she’s already told fans to calm down, because so far there isn’t a new album on the horizon.
On top of writing songs and directingBlack Panther: Wakanda Forever, Ryan Coogler also co-wrote the script and produced the movie. The cast featuresLetitia Wrightas Shuri,Danai Guriraas Okoye,Lupita Nyong’oas Nakia,Winston Dukeas M’Baku,Martin Freemanas Everett Ross,Tenoch Huertaas super-villain Namor,Dominique Thorneas Riri Williams/Ironheart,Florence Kasumbaas Ayo, andMichaela Coelas Aneka.
Black Panther: Wakanda Foreveris now in theaters. You can watch the music video for “Lift Me Up” below:
