Jessy Wilson is a GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter. Not too long ago, she celebrated a monumental GRAMMY awards nomination, after her anthemic song, “Keep Rising (The Woman King),” featuring Angélique Kidjo, was nominated for Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 65th GRAMMY Awards, alongside work from artists including Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Lady Gaga.
Jessy Wilson – “Keep Rising (The Woman King)” lyric video featuring Angelique Kidjo
“An end title song is so important because you are curating the emotional end for your audience as they leave the theater. Jessy and Angélique have given us an incredible song that gets me incredibly hyped and inspired. Our film is a period piece, and ‘Keep Rising’ lyrically and sonically gives us an incredible bridge to the present. Also, it is a beautiful meld of cultures, most notably the culture of Benin where our incredible warriors are from. It is the perfect last flourish for The Woman King.” – stated The Woman King director, Gina Prince-Bythewood
This incredible moment comes in spite of a season of darkness in Wilson’s life. Wilson first became deeply disillusioned with her music career during the pandemic. Losing her will to record and write music, and sinking into a deep depression, she became pregnant but then suffered a devastating pregnancy loss. Wilson and her husband had named their future son, Willing Reve McFarlin. Jessy continued to try and write music, creating “Keep Rising” as a message of hope to herself and others, before she departed from her publishing deal, and almost gave up on music, and life, altogether.
Later, Jessy learned her unknown but undeniable song, “Keep Rising (The Woman King),” had been selected to be featured in The Woman King, and she received the news on the very day her son was due to be born.
“We black women are not to be ignored, we will be seen. We will be heard and we will light the way.” – Jessy Wilson
“As much as I wanted this to happen, I didn’t know if it could. I’m still processing. I’m just so overwhelmingly grateful to be a part of such a rich and robust music community. This nomination alone is a victory.” — Jessy Wilson stated
Prior to launching her solo career, Jessy Wilson’s resume included musical theater, international tours as a backup singer with Alicia Keys and John Legend, fronting the acclaimed duo, Muddy Magnolias, and GRAMMY-nominated songwriting collaborations with everyone from Usher and Kanye West to Faith Hill and Macy Gray.
2019 saw the release of her debut solo release, “Phase,” which drew critical acclaim from major media outlets. In addition to her own album that year, Wilson appeared prominently on six tracks on Tyler, the Creator’s #1 GRAMMY-winning album, IGOR. Also, Wilson has toured extensively in support of Phase including tours with The Black Keys, Modest Mouse, Gary Clark Jr., Michael Franti, Ben Harper, Trombone Shorty, Michael McDonald, and Chaka Khan, as well as supporting The Heavy across Europe.
The Woman King (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
We recommend adding Jessy Wilson’s “Keep Rising (The Woman King)” single to your favorite African playlist. Also, let us know how you feel in the comment section below. Mel Blanc’s famous catchphrase, That’s All Folks! Thanks for reading another great article on Bong Mines Entertainment – the hot spot for new music. Always remember that (P) Positive, (E) Energy, (A) Always, (C) Creates, (E) Elevation (P.E.A.C.E). Contact us on social media via Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook, and let us know what’s going on. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking a link, we’ll collect a share of sales or other compensation.