Onyeka 
Finally! Rihanna is back with a new song “Lift Me Up,” and what a grand way to mark that return, with her new song being a tribute to late Black Panther frontman and titular star, Chadwick Boseman.
We told you earlier that Rih might be contributing two songs to the soundtrack of the highly-anticipated upcoming Marvel superhero movie “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” and those rumours have been confirmed by Rihanna herself.
In an Instagram post on Wednesday, October 26, the 34-year-old singer teased fans with the new song, dropping the title “Lift Me Up” in the caption.
According to TMZ, “Lift Me Up” is co-written by Rihanna and our very own Afrobeats star girl Tems, whose reputation and global appeal continues to soar to unbelievable heights. Other collaborators include Ludwig Göransson, ‘and BP’ director Ryan Coogler.
While the Black Panther franchise holds great reverence in Black culture, it grew even bigger in popularity following the demise of Boseman. But Rihanna’s involvement certainly shoots up anticipation for this sequel which will open in theatres worldwide on November 11.
“Lift Me Up” will be released via Rihanna’s own Westbury Road label in collaboration with Roc Nation, Def Jam Recordings and Hollywood Records.
Tems, who also contributed to the music that ushered in the first trailer of the forthcoming movie said, “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.”
She adds, “Rihanna has been an inspiration to me so hearing her convey this song is a great honour.”
The song marks her Rihanna’s return to music after a noted 6-plus-year hiatus, and makes a great lead-up to her Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show appearance in February.
Rihanna “Lift Me Up” is out on Friday, October 28 2022. “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” premieres on Friday, November 11, only in theatres. Check out a teaser of the lead song below.
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