Entertainment

Rihanna, Tems, Others Team Up to Produce Black Panther Soundtrack

Published

2 years ago

October 28, 2022

Eric

Music star, Robyn Fenty popularly known as Rihanna, has announced the release of her new single, the first after a six-year hiatus from the music industry.

Rihanna, who has in the past years focused on her thriving fashion and beauty empire, will be releasing “Lift Me Up”, a soundtrack to Marvel movie, ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’

Rihanna teased a video of the track via her Twitter page on Wednesday, and captioned the post, “Lift me up. 10.28.2022.”

Rihanna co-wrote “Lift Me Up” with Nigeria’s Tems; music producer, Ludwig Göransson; and Black Panther’s director, Ryan Coogler, Billboard reports.

The track which will be released on November 4, was written as a tribute to the lead star of the first Black Panther film, Chadwick Boseman, who died in 2020 at the age of 43.

In a press statement, Tems 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

“Rihanna has been an inspiration to me so hearing her convey this song is a great honor.”

Tems had earlier featured on one of the movie’s soundtracks, with her rendition of Bob Marley’s “No Woman No Cry.”

Rihanna has not released any project since she dropped her album, Anti, in 2016. Her most recent work, is a short chorus on PARTYNEXTDOOR’s Believe it, released in 2020.

Set to hit theatres by November 11, 2022, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is the much anticipated sequel to the 2018 Black Panther film.

Entertainment

Rocky Dawuni Rises to the Occasion with New Single

Published

4 days ago

October 19, 2024

Eric

By Samantha Ofole-Prince

He is the first Ghanaian artist to have ever been nominated for a Grammy award and is back with a new single just in time to be nominated for music industry’s biggest night.

Titled “Rise,” the single blends Afrobeat and highlife with Hip-Hop and is the first official release from his forthcoming album which will be distributed by Aquarian Records through Tuff Gong International, the label founded by Bob Marley and Rita Marley.

“Imagine what we could do if we organize? Imagine what we could do if we unify?” Dawuni sings with conviction in the video directed by Emmanuel and Samuel Appiah Gyan.

“Rise,” Dawuni says, “Is an anthem for overcoming adversity and celebrating life’s victories.”

A trailblazing performer who has shared the stage with Stevie Wonder, Ozomatli, Peter Gabriel and Angelique Kidjo, Dawuni was named one of Africa’s Top 10 global stars by CNN.

Entertainment

Glo-Sponsored African Voices Features Celebrated Singer, Rema

Published

2 weeks ago

October 12, 2024

Eric

Nigeria’s Afrobeat music star and multiple award-winner, Rema, will be featured this week on African Voices Changemakers, CNN International’s magazine programme, sponsored by telecommunications company, Globacom.

Born Divine Ikubor, the 24-year-old artiste from Edo State, discovered his passion for music as a church chorister and a rapper who entertained his peers in his secondary school, Ighile Group of Schools in Edo State.

Rema came into limelight after posting a viral freestyle on Instagram to D’Prince’s song “Gucci Gang”. Wowed by his rare talent, D’Prince flew him to Lagos and offered him a record deal with Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Mavin Records owned by music executive and producer Don Jazzy. His 2019 hit “Dumebi” was the first fruit of the contract.

His international breakthrough happened in 2022 with his single “Calm Down”, which led to a remix with American singer Selena Gomez. The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and first on Billboard Afrobeats Songs chart for a record-setting 58 weeks.

His talents have earned him several awards including the MTV Video Music Award for Best Afrobeats Video and the Billboard Music Award for Top Afrobeats Songs.

He was recognised for achieving 1 billion streams worldwide during his London concert on November 7, 2022 and he also performed at the Ballon d’Or ceremony held at the Theatre du Châtelet in Paris, France on October 30, 2023.

The edition will be broadcast on Saturday at 8.30 a.m., with repeats at noon the same day. More repeats come up on Sunday at 4.30 a.m., 7.00 p.m. and on Monday at 4.00 a.m.

Entertainment

Anike Performs at the 55th Annual Dove Awards

Published

3 weeks ago

October 5, 2024

Eric

By Samantha Ofole-Prince

Nigerian-American rapper Anike was one of several artists who performed at Gospel music’s biggest night of the year. It was the first time, Anike, formerly known as Wande, has performed at the Dove Awards.

An annual event which showcases many of the nation’s leading Christian music artists, this year’s awards show was held in Nashville, Tennessee.

Other performers included Chandler Moore, Tye Tribbett and gospel icon CeCe Winans, who not only took home three trophies but opened the show with a joy-fueled performance of “That’s My King” complete with a 24-person choir.

“I’m known for my music all over the world,” shared CeCe Winans as she accepted her accolade for Artist of the Year. “People know me for my music. God only knows me for my relationship with Him. With every breath that I am able, I will sing of the goodness of God.”

An event where artists from every style of gospel music come together for a night of music and celebration, winners included Jonathan Smith, Brandon Lake, Chandler Moore, and Jason Ingram. Song of the Year went to “Holy Forever,” honoring songwriters Chris Tomlin, Brian Johnson, Jenn Johnson, Jason Ingram and Phil Wickham. Gospel Music icons Bill and Gloria Gaither were honored with the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award.

Photos by Jamie Gilliam, Terry Wyatt & Tessa Voccola