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Tribune News Service
Tribune News Service
Entertainment
Peter Sblendorio

Rihanna to release lead single for ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ that honors Chadwick Boseman

Get ready to marvel at a new Rihanna song.

The singer on Friday will release “Lift Me Up,” the lead single from the upcoming Marvel movie “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” that’s written as a tribute to late actor Chadwick Boseman, Disney announced Wednesday.

It’s the first solo single in six years from Rihanna, who co-wrote the song with “Black Panther” director Ryan Coogler, composer Ludwig Goransson and Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems.

“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,” Tems said Wednesday.

“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.”

Coming to theaters Nov. 11, “Wakanda Forever” serves as the much-anticipated sequel to 2018′s “Black Panther,” which starred Boseman as the heroic king T’Challa.

Boseman died in 2020 at age 43 following a private battle with colon cancer.

Rihanna becomes the latest big-name performer to release music for the “Black Panther” franchise. Kendrick Lamar curated the 2018 movie’s soundtrack, which features songs by SZA, The Weekend, Future, Khalid and 2 Chainz.

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