Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl hosted a once-in-a-lifetime experience when it featured Marvel Studios’ Black Panther at the 18,000-seat amphitheatre nestled in the more quieter crevices of a scenic Hollywood Hills. Over a three-day weekend, principal conductor Thomas Wilkins would lead the Los Angeles Philharmonic orchestra as they performed the film’s score, originally composed by Oscar winner Ludwig Göransson.
A special treat was in store for audiences that purchased a ticket for the Saturday show. Thousands of diverse audience members filled the open theatre, excited to be out and about in a social setting.
To the delight of onlookers, Göransson came onto the stage to introduce some of the featured soloists who had traveled with him on tour in Africa. But, then, there was a moment of surprise when Göransson quickly made an announcement.
“We also have a very, very special surprise for you. It’s an incredibly talented person and I’ve scored four films that he’s been a part of,” said Göransson. “I’m very proud to introduce Michael B. Jordan!”
Jordan, who played Killmonger on Black Panther, graciously took the stage to an enthusiastic applause.
“I want to thank everybody for coming out,” said Jordan. “These are incredible artists who get a chance to play live against the movie.”
“Black Panther is special to me for a lot of reasons — the soundtrack is definitely one of them,” he continued. “The soundtrack of this film is made out of love. It’s supposed to make you feel joy, feel empowered. It’s powerful. It can help you heal. We’ve all conquered and encountered so much this past year…”
As Jordan paused briefly, the defeaning elephant in the room, so to speak, was the absence of the film’s protagonist Chadwick Boseman.
“I want to dedicate tonight to a brother of mine, the late, great Black Panther. Our king, Chadwick Boseman,” said Jordan as he became overwhelmed with emotion.
Jordan admitted that the Hollywood Bowl screening would be the first time that he would watch Black Panther since Chadwick Boseman passed away from colon cancer in August 2020. The founder of production company Outlier Society, Jordan has worked with many talented Black actors in front of and behind the camera in an effort to increase diversity in Hollywood and tell Black stories.
“I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my other brother, Michael K. Williams, who passed away recently,” Jordan continued.
Watch the Heart Warming Moment Below:
Williams and Jordan worked together on the television series The Wire in 2002, where Williams was a series regular as Omar Little and Jordan played the character Wallace for 13 episodes. Jordan followed his comments with a moment of silence for Boseman and Williams, who died in his New York apartment on Sept. 6.
The audience watched the two-hour movie from five large screens mounted above the playing orchestra. With the exception of the Bay-area rapper Mozzy’s song near the end of the feature film, the orchestra played live every time there was a music moment on Black Panther. Special guest Baaba Maal, lead vocalist and Senegalese musician that toured with Göransson, intensified the occasion with soulful, far-reaching vocals that seemed to summon the ancestors and bring tears to listeners.
Overall, Jordan’s presence and words, along with the orchestra’s masterful command of the score, made the entire “Black Panther in Concert” experience that much more memorable. With the two Hollywood strobe lights forming an “X” in the quaint sky above, and another chance to see the talented Mr. Boseman on the silver screen, in a way, it was a tribute and celebration of the greatness that was once among us.
