QueenEsther Iroanusi
A full list of the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack has been released — and the Nigerian wave is dominant.
Besides Rihanna’s single “Lift Me”, which was co-written by Tems, the soundtrack features Nigerian artists Burna Boy, Fireboy DML, Ckay, Rema, Tobe Nwigwe and Fat Nwigwe, amongst other African acts.
Emerging rappers and artists from Mexico City are also featured on the soundtrack, including Pat Boy, who raps entirely in Mayan.
Burnaboy is featured solo on the haunting track “Alone”, while Tems performs Bob Marley’s “No Woman No Cry” as a solo act, which is bridged together with Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright.”
Mavins star Rema is featured on two tracks – “Wake Up” with Bloody Civilian and “Pantera” with Aleman, while Fireboy DML also comes in solo on the track “Coming Back for You”.
Nigerian artist Ckay features British songwriter and singer Pink Pantheress on the track “Anya Miri” and with the Nwigwes – US rapper Tobechukwu Dubem Nwigwe (Tobe Nwigwe) with his wife, Fat – on the track “They Want It But No”.
The soundtrack was recorded by Roc Nation Records, Def Jam Recordings, and Hollywood Records. The soundtrack for the album was produced by director Ryan Coogler, composer Ludwig Göransson, Archie Davis (chief creative officer at Def Jam), and Dave Jordan.
Göransson allegedly spent over 2,500 hours recording the score and soundtrack, which involved six studios across three continents and five countries. Coogler was also involved in creating the music for the film, from co-writing lyrics on the Rihanna track “Lift Me” to suggesting the cover of Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry”.
The story, inspired by Nigerian and Mesoamerican cultures, had recording sessions in Lagos, Mexico City and the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is coming to cinemas in South Africa on 11 November.
