Everything You Need To Know About ‘Coming 2 America’
The long-awaited sequel to 1988’s ‘Coming to America’ premieres exclusively on Amazon Prime Video this Friday.
This Friday, March 5, marks the premiere of Coming 2 America – one of the most anticipated comedy films of the year and the long-awaited sequel to the 1988 blockbuster, Coming to America. Below are all of the details about the film, its Def Jam soundtrack, and its companion album, Rhythms of Zamunda.
The Long-Awaited Sequel
Set in the fictional country of Zamunda, Coming 2 America follows the adventures of the newly-crowned King Akeem (Eddie Murphy) and his trusted confidante Semmi (Arsenio Hall) as they travel from their great African nation to the borough of Queens, New York – where it all began.
The film includes cast favorites from the original release, including James Earl Jones as King Jaffe Joffer, Shari Headley as Queen Lisa, John Amos as Cleo McDowell, and Louie Anderson as Maurice. Joining the star-studded ensemble are Wesley Snipes, Leslie Jones, Tracy Morgan, Jermaine Fowler, Bella Murphy, Rotimi, KiKi Layne, Nomzamo Mbatha, and Teyana Taylor.
Released in the summer of 1988, Coming to America was a massive success – debuting at No.1 in the US, and becoming the third-highest-grossing film of the year. Its original soundtrack featured music from The Cover Girls, Chico DeBarge, Mel and Kim, and Sister Sledge, among others, while its title track, co-written by Nile Rodgers and performed by The System, was a hit single on the Billboard Hot 100.
Streaming Globally On Amazon Prime
The film will be available in 240 countries and territories exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. Click here to find out more information on how to stream the film.
A Star-Studded Original Soundtrack
Much like the film, Coming 2 America (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) also boasts a star-studded collection of talent, including Tiwa Savage, Teyana Taylor, and Gladys Knight. Fans have already had a first taste of the film’s original music, thanks to singles “I’m A King,” from Bobby Sessions and Megan Thee Stallion, and “Go Big” from rappers YG and Big Sean. Available March 5 via Def Jam Recordings, the soundtrack will be streaming across all major platforms, including Amazon Music, Spotify, and Apple Music. Listen here.
Rhythms of Zamunda
In the mood for even more music? Def Jam Recordings and Def Jam Africa are readying to release Rhythms Of Zamunda: Music Inspired By Coming 2 America. The 16-track compilation, curated by Sipho Dlamini, CEO of Universal Music South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, traces a musical roadmap through Western, Eastern, and South African soundscapes, introducing listeners to some of the continents most exciting artists.
The record boasts contributions from Nigerian superstar Tiwa Savage and Tekno, the late DJ Arafat from Côte d’Ivoire, Prince Kaybee and Msaki of South Africa, and Fally Ipupa from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The compilation’s opening track, “Black & White” from South Africa’s most-streamed artist, Nasty C, with Ari Lennox, was released earlier this year.
“It was important for Def Jam Africa to be involved because the first film was so legendary to Africans in the diaspora,” said Dlamini. “The film franchise is tongue-in-cheek but conveys a rich quality of life in Africa. That is reflected in the music on Rhythms of Zamunda. We wanted to represent some of the sounds that are relevant, impactful, and current on the continent.”
Coming 2 America premieres March 5 on Amazon Prime Video. Click here to watch the film.
