Walt Disney Records To Release Original Motion Picture Soundtrack For Queen of Katwe On September 23rd
Walt Disney Records will release the original motion picture soundtrack for “Queen of Katwe” on September 23, 2016. The buoyant score was composed by Golden Globe® nominee Alex Heffes (“Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,” “The Last King of Scotland“). Rated PG, “Queen of Katwe” opens in limited release on the same day and nationwide on September 30.
Fifteen-time GRAMMY® Award-winning recording artist Alicia Keys’ new original song, “Back to Life,” also appears in the film’s end credits. “Back to Life” was written by Alicia Keys, Carlo Montagnese and Billy Walsh and produced by Illangelo and Keys.
The soundtrack is rounded out with a rich compilation of African songs featuring artists from Uganda and neighboring countries. It includes the original song “#1 Spice” written and performed by Young Cardamom & HAB, as well as the poignant ballad from the film’s epilogue, “Home Again” by chart-topping artist Michael Kiwanuka.
Alex Heffes said, “Scoring ‘Queen of Katwe’ for Mira Nair and Disney has been a musical pleasure. The film is so rich in humour, human drama and emotion, and it provides a great canvas for music. Bringing the game of chess alive musically was a real challenge. We scored many of the games as ‘mini dramas’ and hope that the score can guide all viewers – chess novices and experts alike – through the drama of the scenes.”
“Queen of Katwe” is based on the vibrant true story of a young girl from the streets of rural Uganda whose world rapidly changes when she is introduced to the game of chess, and, as a result of the support she receives from her family and community, is instilled with the confidence and determination she needs to pursue her dream of becoming an international chess champion. Directed by Mira Nair from a screenplay by William Wheeler, “Queen of Katwe” is produced by Lydia Dean Pilcher, p.g.a. and John Carls, p.g.a. with Will Weiske and Troy Buder serving as executive producers. The film stars Golden Globe® nominee David Oyelowo, Oscar® winner and Tony Award® nominee Lupita Nyong‘o and newcomer Madina Nalwanga.
The “Queen of Katwe” track list follows:
1. “#1 Spice” Performed by Young Cardamom & HAB
2. “Sekem” Performed by MC Galaxy
3. “Budo!” Alex Heffes
4. “Tuli Kubigere” Performed by A Pass
5. “Bomboclat” Performed by Jose Chameleone feat. Weasel
6. “Brian, My Brother!” Alex Heffes
7. “Skelewu” Performed by Davido
8. “Juicy” Performed by Radio & Weasel
9. “It is Fine” Alex Heffes
10. “Engoma Yange” Performed by Nsubuga Saava Karim
11. “Wuuyo” Performed by A Pass
12. “Oswadde Nnyo” Performed by Moses Matovu and Afrigo Band
13. “Mbilo Mbilo” Performed by Eddy Kenzo
14. “Escape from Hospital” Alex Heffes
15. “Nfunda N’omubi” Performed by Joanita Kawalya and Afrigo Band
16. “The Promise of Harriet” Alex Heffes
17. “Kyempulila” Performed by A Pass
18. “Kiwani” Performed by Bobi Wine
19. “Home Again” Performed by Michael Kiwanuka
20. “Back to Life” Performed by Alicia Keys
The “Queen of Katwe” soundtrack, featuring Alicia Keys’ “Back to Life” and Alex Heffes’ score, will be available in digital and physical formats and streaming services on Sept. 23, 2016. The soundtrack is available for pre-order at http://smarturl.it/KatweAM and can be streamed HERE. The digital-only Deluxe Edition soundtrack features the full score from Alex Heffes and will be available at digital music retailers also on Sept. 23rd.