The soundtrack for the 2022 American superhero film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the sequel to Black Panther (2018) based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name, is produced by Marvel Studios and consists of an original score composed and produced by Ludwig Göransson. He has worked as the composer for Ryan Coogler's previous films. Göransson, who confirmed his involvement in the film in September 2021, also produced and curated most of the original songs for the album.[1]
Since the storyline is primarily set in the underwater civilization of Talokan, and is rooted in Mesoamerican, Wakandan, and Nigerian cultures, Göransson went to Mexico City to research and recreate the Mayan music, feeling that the music is forcibly erased from history. Various ancient instruments from these cultures were utilized for the score to recreate the Mayan music, which he felt he had "never heard in a film before," while the orchestra and Mayan sounds were produced into the score. The theme for T'Challa, the titular protagonist in the first film, was altered and integrated into the score. Recording for the soundtrack and score happened simultaneously in Mexico and Lagos, with additional recording in Los Angeles.[2] Göransson collaborated with contemporary artists — rappers, singers, indigenous musicians, and indigenous singers for recording the original songs in the album.
A soundtrack extended play titled Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Prologue was released by Hollywood Records and Marvel Music on July 25, 2022, featuring three songs, including Tems' cover of Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry" which was featured in the teaser trailer. The soundtrack album was released as Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music from and Inspired By on November 4, by Roc Nation, Def Jam Recordings, and Hollywood Records, with Rihanna's original single "Lift Me Up" releasing a week before the album, on October 28. The soundtrack album received critical acclaim. Göransson's score album was released as Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Original Score) by Hollywood Records on November 11, coinciding with the film's release.