Last November, Marvel Studios ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,’ the Ryan Coogler-directed superhero film set in fictional kingdom of Wakanda, was released to rave reviews. Arriving with a Ludwig Gorasson-produced soundtrack which included the pensive and memorable singles “No Woman, No Cry,” a heart-wrenching solo performed Tems and “Lift Me Up,” with Rihanna, the new film and its accompanying score set out to tell a story of grief, love, perseverance and celebration.

Featuring a talented spate of continental stars including African talent led by Burna Boy, CKay, Tems, Fireboy DML, Bloody Civilian, DBN Gogo and more, and Mexcian performers such as Vivir Quintana and Mare Advertencia Lirika, the music from ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ pulled together an eclectic mix of sounds and genres that served to further bolster the film’s message of grief.  

Now, Marvel Studios wants to further unveil the world behind the film franchise. Arriving yesterday on Disney Plus, ‘Voices Rising: The Music of Wakanda Forever’ is a mini-documentary which gives audiences a behind-the-scenes look into the making of the ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From And Inspired By’ soundtrack. 

The first episode takes audiences to Lagos, Nigeria where recording for the album began and took shape. Titled ‘Nigeria: Past is Present,’ the debut episode paints a colourful picture of the early stages of the film’s score, taking it to Lagos where this publication’s very own Seni Saraki, Lady Donli, Lmbskn and more, laid the foundation for what would go on to become a commingling of sounds and cultures.

Directed by Bernardo Ruiz, co-directed by Meji Alabi and produced by Serin Marshall, the three-episode series is executive produced by Ryan Coogler, Sev Ohanian, Zinzi Coogler, Peter Nicks, Ludwig Göransson, Kevin Feige, Brad Winderbaum, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Jimi Adesanya, Justine Nagan, Bonni Cohen, Jon Shenk and Jeff Redmond. Co-producers are Lauren Goralski and Gaby Arvizu.

Subsequent episodes, ‘Mexico: Con La Brisa’ and ‘London: Bring It Home,’ will begin streaming on Disney Plus on March 7 and 14, respectively. Until then, viewers can dive into the first episode which brings the world around the album closer with the key players who brought it to life.

Watch the trailer of ‘Voices Rising: The Music of Wakanda Forever’ here. 

Featured Image Credits/NATIVE