Rihanna is about to make up for a lot of lost time, and members of her Navy stan club couldn’t be happier. The Bad Gal is not only set to headline the Super Bowl halftime show in 2023, she’s also heading out on a stadium tour shortly thereafter. But, before all of that, Rihanna is going to make an epic return to music on Oct. 28 with a highly anticipated new track that will be featured on Marvel’s Black Panther sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. If that’s not enough to get people excited, fans were gassed to learn that Wakanda Forever features not one, but TWO new songs by the Bajan pop star in the film’s ending credits.
Most fans were already made aware of the first song, “Lift Me Up,” which was announced earlier this week. Rihanna co-wrote “Lift Me Up,” a ballad, with Nigerian singer Tems.
The 34-year-old shared the cover art for the track, which is set for a midnight release.
RiRi also included a link that prompts fans to presave the song on various streaming platforms.
— Rihanna (@rihanna) October 27, 2022
According to New York Times writer Kyle Buchanan, viewers watching Wakanda Forever in theaters will hear Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” first, and then they’ll be introduced to her second new track, “Born Again.”
As with the first new release, “Born Again” is also a ballad. This time, Rihanna taps The-Dream for production.
There are 2 Rihanna songs in the end credits of WAKANDA FOREVER… the already announced “Lift Me Up,” which plays first, then “Born Again,” which was produced by The-Dream. Both ballads. But the rumors are true, you’re about to get double Rihanna after the drought
— Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) October 27, 2022
Pop culture expert Sam A. of That Grape Juice, who attended the New York screening, added that James Fauntleroy had a hand in the “Born Again” track as well.
TWO Rihanna songs play during the end credits. She is in top ballad form singing over a minimal yet cinematic instrumental in 'Lift Me Up' that was co-✍️🏾with @TemsBaby. 'Born Again' is also a ballad & features Rih's signature isms.✍️🏾by The-Dream x J. Fauntleroy #WakandaForever pic.twitter.com/sslnYZn5RJ
— ThatGrapeJuice (Sam) (@thatgrapejuice) October 27, 2022
Buchanan said the new Rihanna songs might be Oscar contenders. How’s that for a comeback?
Will WAKANDA FOREVER earn 7 Oscar noms like the original? Potentially. Returning winners Ruth Carter (costumes) and Hannah Beachler (production design) have really outdone themselves and are sure things. I expect the Rihanna song and the sound team will be nominated, too…
— Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) October 27, 2022
Fans were thrilled to know that the singer is finally giving them what they’ve wanted.
“Yes, two @rihannasongs! Omgggggg, I’m so hyped about Friday and then also hyped to see the actual film. And, I’m hoping their is an end credit scene too!!” one fan wrote.
Yes, two @rihanna songs! Omgggggg, I’m so hyped about Friday and then also hyped to see the actual film. And, I’m hoping their is an end credit scene too!! #WakandaForever #WakandaPorSiempre
— 𝐒𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐲 (@SmileyNthahood) October 27, 2022
“Hell yeahhh the dream also made umbrella so born again gonna be a bop,” another tweeted.
Though “Lift Me Up” drops tomorrow, you still have to wait a few weeks to watch Wakanda Forever — it hits theaters Nov. 11.
