Fantasia’s Reflective Journey Through Time in The Color Purple Musical’s Closing Track

In the spotlight is Fantasia, unveiling a deeply personal connection in the closing track “Superpower (I)” for the recent musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s timeless classic, The Color Purple. The song narrates a captivating tale of inner power, while also presenting a momentous reflection of Fantasia’s journey in the music industry.

Fantasia, who brought Celie—the protagonist of The Color Purple—to life, interacts with her younger self, portrayed through A.I. technology. As she serenades her younger self, dressed in the memorable red attire from her 2004 American Idol performance, she sings of resilience and self-acknowledgement.

She pours emotion into her words, acknowledging her past struggles with the lyrics, “Oh, my soul, you’re the reason I made it through,” in a setting adorned with mirrors. As she sings, “I want the whole world to know, I was here,” listeners witness an emotional hand clasp that signifies embracing her past.

With Variety shortlisting “Superpower (I)” for the Best Original Song Oscar, the track gains even more significance. Taylor Fauntleroy, known for directing Kid Cudi and Orville Peck, directed the music video.

Fantasia, in an interview with Variety, discussed how The-Dream, the songwriter of “Superpower (I)” perfectly encapsulated her personal journey. She divulged that the lyrics moved her so profoundly during recording, she found herself in tears for the entire second verse, signifying her deep emotional connection to the song.

Beyond awards, the heart of the movie is its message, as Filmmaker Blitz Bazawule who adapted the musical from its Broadway run highlighted. He told Rolling Stone that the healing power it offered was what he identified with the most.

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