2023 Oscars: Tems Bags Nomination For Writing Rihanna’s Black Panther Song

Fast-rising Nigerian musician, Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems, has received an Oscar nomination in the category of ‘Best Original Song’ for the lead single of the movie, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

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The nominees’ list was announced on Tuesday.

The song, which was performed by music superstar, Rihanna, was co-written by Tems, Rihanna, Ryan Coogler, and Oscar-winning composer, Ludwig Göransson, to honor the life and legacy of the late Chadwick Boseman who died from cancer in 2020 at the age of 43.

Boseman played the title character of Black Panther in the first movie which came out in 2018, prior to his death.

Tems had released a statement explaining her role in the creation of the song as well as what informed her songwriting direction.

“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 honour,” she said.

Below is the full list of this year’s Oscar nominees and their categories.

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