Rihanna is releasing a new song this week – her first new track in six years.
The chart-topper confirmed her new song titled Lift Me Up will be released on Friday after it was made for the upcoming Black Panther sequel, Wakanda Forever.
Rihanna, 34, shared what appeared to be a snippet on social media, featuring a soft melody and swelling strings.
She posted a short video clip showing her name spelled in the fictional Wakandan alphabet.
According to Variety, the tune is 'a tribute to the life and legacy of the late Chadwick Boseman' and was written by Tems, Ludwig Göransson, Rihanna and the movie's director Ryan Coogler.
Boseman tragically passed away in 2020 aged 43 following a secret four-year battle with colon cancer.
“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," said Tems.
She told the magazine: "I tried to imagine what it would feel like if I could sing to them now and express how much I miss them. Rihanna has been an inspiration to me so hearing her convey this song is a great honor.”
Fans have been urging her to put out new music after her Grammy-nominated record Anti, which was released in 2016.
They've flocked to Twitter this evening following the songstress' shock announcement.
"I can’t believe my eyes rihanna is actually not playing games this time," Tweeted one.
Another said: "Marvel getting the official Rihanna solo song after the hiatus is insane kinda…. Why they won."
"Beyoncé, Taylor & Rihanna all releasing in the space of a couple of months. I am recharged," penned a third.
Some have joked that being a new mum has lead Rihanna back to work, with one fan Tweeting: "I knew having a kid was too expensive when I realized Rihanna went back to work too."
The official MTV account joked: "IT'S BEEN 84 YEARS BUT SHE'S BACK."
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight in February earlier this year, she teased a new release.
She said: "Yes, you're still going to get music from me," adding : "My fans would kill me if they waited this long for a lullaby."
Rihanna’s own Westbury Road label is releasing “Lift Me Up” in partnership with Roc Nation, Def Jam Recordings and Hollywood Records.
In a press release from Marvel, bosses say the new song "ushers in the next era of Rihanna’s iconic career".
The Black Panther sequel will see the leaders of Wakanda fight to protect their nation in the wake of King T’Challa’s death.
Last month, Letitia Wright spoke out about making 'Wakanda Forever' without Chadwick in an emotional tell-all magazine interview.
He played the lead role of King T’Challa in the first instalment and bosses have confirmed his character has not been recast or digitally recreated.
Bafta Rising Star winner Letitia, 28, who is reprising her role as Shuri, told Elle UK magazine she hopes the sequel will help "all the people who have lost people".
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