“The Woman King is the remarkable story of the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s with skills and a fierceness unlike anything the world has ever seen. Inspired by true events, The Woman King follows the emotionally epic journey of General Nanisca (Oscar®-winner Viola Davis) as she inspires the King to take on the enemies determined to violate their honor and destroy their way of life.
Heavily influenced by the rich musical tradition of the West African region, the album, composed by Terence Blanchard, also includes vocal contributions from South African producer, composer and singer Lebo M who infuses the collection with an authentic and original sound, and five-time GRAMMY® Award-winner Dianne Reeves, who contributes her vocal stylings to the album. When recording the score, Blanchard also utilized a full orchestra and a choir of opera singers led by Ghanaian-American mezzo-soprano Tesia Kwarteng, a decision the composer says, “adds color, realness, and culture to this film.” Milan Records
Of the score, composer Terence Blanchard says, “This is a film about vulnerability, power and strength. We witness determined and strong-willed women who are about the business of doing their jobs and protecting their kingdom. My music is there to show the other side of them: they are human. They have feelings; they hurt like anybody else, and they make unfathomable sacrifices to be part of the king’s guard.”
- Hollywood Music in Media Awards: Won Best Score – Feature Film in 2022
- Satellite Awards: Nominated for Best Original Score in 2023
- The song “Keep Rising (The Woman King)” was nominated for a Grammy Award.
“The Woman King is an admirable career achievement for Blanchard and provides its topic with appropriately intelligent dignity and scope.” The review further continued “The absence of larger purpose or clear organization to all of these wayward melodies causes some consternation for listeners not enamored solely by the scope of performance sounds in The Woman King.” Filmtracks.com
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