Listen to Alicia Keys' New Song 'Back to Life,' Written for the ‘Queen of Katwe’ Film

Disney’s upcoming 'Queen of Katwe' film gets a soundtrack from Alicia Keys with "Back to Life."

Listen to Alicia Keys' New Song 'Back to Life,' Written for the ‘Queen of Katwe’ Film

Disney’s upcoming Queen of Katwe film, which follows the story of Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi, already boasts the star power of Lupita Nyong’o, David Oyelowo, and newcomer Madina Nalwanga under the direction of Mira Nair.


Today the movie’s gotten another star on board (for the soundtrack) with Alicia Keys’ new song “Back to Life,” which the singer wrote for specially for Queen of Katwe.

The new track kicks off with piano, swaying guitars and a subdued melody before shifting gears into a synth-backed dance beat.

Its second half ends up moving towards the sonic world of Keys’ previous single “In Common,” which saw her taking cues from afrobeats and recently got remixed by Black Coffee.

“The minute I saw Queen of Katwe, a song was being written in my head ? ,” Keys wrote on her Facebook page.

Listen to “Back to Life” above. Queen of Katwe arrives in U.S. theaters on September 23.

Best West African Songs of 2025 So Far — Mid-Year Roundup
Latest

Best West African Songs of 2025 So Far — Mid-Year Roundup

As more West African artists create sounds that inspire internet trends and extend their longevity, others are experimenting with new forms and doubling down on storytelling. Read ahead for the best West African music of the year so far.

African Songs You Need to Hear This Week
News

African Songs You Need to Hear This Week

The best new African music that came out this week featuring Runtown, Da Capo, ODUMODUBLVCK, and more.