Nigerian Afrobeats artists are shaping the soundtrack of Paramount Pictures’ upcoming fantasy film Children of Blood and Bone. Tems serves as executive music producer and curator of the soundtrack, contributing three original songs while Burna Boy joins as executive music consultant.

The soundtrack also features work from Ayra Starr, Fireboy DML and BNXN. Ayra Starr and Nollywood actor Richard Mofe-Damijo appear in the film in their first major Hollywood roles.

Director Gina Prince-Bythewood said she listened to Tems and Burna Boy while writing the screenplay and wanted their sound to define the film. Terence Blanchard is composing the score, blending orchestral elements with African instrumentation.

The announcement comes as author Tomi Adeyemi has publicly distanced herself from the adaptation. In a recent video, Adeyemi said she had lived with a difficult reality for about a year and a half after leaving the set of her own film while hyperventilating and sobbing.

She later experienced severe somatic pain and repeated panic attacks. She stated she would never be able to watch the finished film and described the project as the worst thing she has ever had to live through.

Adeyemi co-wrote the screenplay and holds an executive producer credit. The film, based on her 2018 novel set in the West African-inspired kingdom of Orïsha, is scheduled for release on 15 January 2027.

The cast includes Thuso Mbedu as Zélie Adebola, Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, Tosin Cole, Viola Davis, Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, Lashana Lynch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Regina King, Ayra Starr and Richard Mofe-Damijo.

Anthony Udugba is a seasoned entertainment business journalist at BusinessDay Media, boasting over four years of experience in the creative industry. With a proven track record of delivering insightful analysis and in-depth coverage, he leverages industry data, expert opinions, and stakeholder insights to craft compelling stories that shed light on the dynamic creative ecosystem.