Although originally set to release in May 2022, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever finally hit theaters earlier this month, to both critical and commercial acclaim no less. In fact, with a worldwide box office gross of $331 million, it has broken the record for the highest-grossing November opening weekend ever. What’s more, it has earned the second-best CinemaScore grade of any MCU Phase 4 title. Truly, the perfect film for Marvel Studios to end the year and phase on.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever overcame many challenges before and during production, in the face of the pandemic and a complete transformation of the franchise after Chadwick Boseman’s sudden passing in 2020. Of course, the sequel honours Boseman and passes the mantle to a new Black Panther. Just like its predecessor, Wakanda Forever has also given us a new soundtrack to stream. Let’s take a look at best songs from the soundtrack.
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8 “Inframundo” by Blue Rojo
Marvel Studios
Blue Rojo is a Mexico City-based up-and-coming artist who has recently signed to Universal Music Group, changing his status from indie to major. Rojo was contacted by Ludwig Göransson and was asked to participate on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. Alongside Namor’s introduction, the MCU film explore Mayan and Indigenous culture, so it only makes sense they’ve included new Hispanic talent on the album. Rojo himself said that when making the song, he “really felt connected to like an ancestral energy” (via Uproxx). “Inframundo” talks about being haunted by the ghosts of your loved ones that have passed, something really relevant for Wakanda Forever after T’Challa’s passing.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
7 “Coming Back For You” by Fireboy DML
Nigerian singer Adedamola Adefolahan, professionally known as Fireboy DML, is also included on the Wakanda Forever soundtrack. His debut studio album released only three years ago in 2019. It’s important to point out that although the Black Panther soundtracks feature some well-known names in the music industry, they also make it their mission to give a big platform for lesser known voices from all across the world. Although Fireboy DML is a major superstar and composer in Nigeria, western audiences likely don’t know who he is. Thanks to Wakanda Forever, now they do, with his song “Coming Back For You.”
6 “Laayli’ kuxa’ano’one” by ADN Maya Colectivo
The 11th son on the Wakanda Forever soundtrack is “Laayli’ kuxa’ano’one,” introduced to us by the talented musical group ADN Maya Colectivo. It features the voices of Pat Boy, the founder of the record label ADN for other Maya-language musicians. He’s of Mayan heritage and often sings in the Yucatec Maya language. The other two voices featured are Yaalen K’uj and All Mayan Winik. The song essentially celebrates Mayan culture, with lyrics such as “Today I treasure the Mayan Culture. The Mayan gods send me They gifted me to teach my brothers.” It’s the perfect track to introduce Namor and the world he rules under the sea.
5 “Interlude” by Stormzy
British rapper, songwriter, and singer Stormzy is one of the more recognizable artists featured on the Wakanda Forever soundtrack. “Interlude” talks about the pain and turmoil of the people who are left behind when their loved one dies. The song starts strong with “Who do I turn to when I need saving? ‘Cause you moved mountains, I can’t do the same. And did you think ‘bout that when you left us?” It reflects the pain T’Challa’s family feels after his passing, especially Shuri who has lost her biggest support system. It’s a masterpiece perfectly fitted for the movie’s main theme.
4 “No Woman No Cry” by Tems
Nigerian singer Tems covered Bob Marley and The Wailers’ song “No Woman No Cry.” We heard the song in the first trailer for Wakanda Forever, but the full song has finally released on the soundtrack. When it appeared in the trailer, it instantly fit the “tribute” theme they were aiming for and brought tears to many people’s eyes. The song was part of the Wakanda Forever prologue, described as an “aural first glimpse” into the “sound world for the film,” borne out of the pair’s “extended trips to Mexico and Nigeria” (via NME).
3 “Alone” by Burna Boy
Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu MFR, known as Burna Boy, is a Nigerian singer who also contributed to the Wakanda Forever soundtrack with his song “Alone.” Everyone needs to listen to the song to understand the feelings that it draws out of people. With the mid-tempo beat, the song talks about trust, love, and hope. The poetry and the artistry of the melody and the lyrics pull out something humane out of each one of us. Burna Boy deserves a standing ovation for his hit.
2 “Lift Me Up” by Rihanna
And now, the talk of the town herself: Rihanna with her beautiful song “Lift Me Up.” Allegedly, Ryan Coogler himself convinced Rihanna to return to making music, solely for Wakanda Forever, and it’s been definitely worth it. It’s the perfect song to celebrate Boseman’s life and his contribution to the Marvel world. The vocals immediately bring out tears from pretty much everyone. Honestly, what a power move from Wakanda Forever’s team.
1 “Con La Brisa” by Foudeqush
Last but not least, recorded by a talented Mexican dance/electronic pop Paola Maldonado, known professionally as Foudeqush, and the Swedish composer Ludwig Göransson, “Con La Brisa” is the ninth song on the Wakanda Forever soundtrack. The literal translation of the title is “With the Breeze” and the lyrics are a bit romantic. The song also expresses the love Namor has for his people of Talokan as a sole ruler. It makes your body feel like it’s levitating with its easy-going melody, a feeling that certainly matches with the scene when it plays.
