Tems Leads Burna Boy, Ayra Starr In New Film Soundtrack

Nigerian singer Tems has been appointed executive music producer of the official soundtrack for the upcoming fantasy film, Children of Blood and Bone, bringing together some of Nigeria’s leading music artistes, including Burna Boy and Ayra Starr.

The soundtrack, scheduled for release on November 20, 2026, will also feature Fireboy DML, BNXN and Kold AF.

Tems will oversee the music project and coordinate the contributions of the selected artistes. She expressed excitement about the opportunity, revealing that she personally chose the musicians and was involved in assembling the soundtrack. She also hinted that she would release new music as part of the project.

The singer further disclosed that some of her close friends would feature on the upcoming songs, although she has not revealed the identities of those she will collaborate with.

The appointment adds to Tems’ growing involvement in international film music. She previously co-wrote Lift Me Up, performed by Rihanna for the 2022 Marvel production, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The song received an Academy Award nomination in the Best Original Song category.

Tems has also earned recognition at the Grammy Awards. She won her first Grammy for her contribution to Future’s song, Wait for U, before receiving another award for her single, Love Me JeJe, in the Best African Music Performance category.

Burna Boy, who is also part of the new soundtrack, won the Grammy for Best Global Music Album in 2021 with his album, Twice as Tall.

The film is an adaptation of the bestselling fantasy novel of the same title by Nigerian-American author Tomi Adeyemi. It follows Zelie, a young woman who embarks on a dangerous mission to restore magic after it is taken away from her people.

Set in the fictional kingdom of Orisha, the story draws inspiration from Yoruba culture and mythology. It explores themes of power, identity, oppression and the struggle to reclaim what has been lost.

The production is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, who has previously expressed her ambition to use the film to strengthen connections between Africans and people of African descent around the world.

Filming took place in South Africa, with the director sharing behind-the-scenes footage from the production in July.

The decision to place Tems in charge of the soundtrack, alongside a predominantly Nigerian line-up, reflects the African cultural roots of the story.

South African actress Thuso Mbedu leads the film’s cast, which also includes Idris Elba, Viola Davis, Cynthia Erivo, Damson Idris, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Regina King.

Paramount Pictures is behind the project, which is scheduled to open in cinemas on January 15, 2027, with an IMAX release also planned.

The November 20 soundtrack release will give audiences an early taste of the music accompanying the fictional world of Orisha ahead of the film’s cinema debut. Tems is yet to provide further details about her personal collaborations on the project.