Paramount has named Nigerian singer Tems as executive music producer for the film Children of Blood and Bone.
Tems will curate the soundtrack and oversee its creative direction and choice of artists, IOL reported.
The soundtrack is expected to feature Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Fireboy DML and BNXN.
South African actress Thuso Mbedu stars in the film. The cast also includes Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Ayra Starr.
The film was shot in South Africa and the Canary Islands in 2025. It is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood.
The first trailer came out in July 2026. It introduces Orïsha, a kingdom where a ruthless monarchy has wiped out magic.
The story follows Zélie Adebola, who sets out to bring magic back to her people.
It is based on Tomi Adeyemi’s novel. The book debuted at number one on the New York Times Young Adult list. It stayed there for more than 120 weeks. It has been translated into more than 30 languages.
Adeyemi has said the story grew from the Yoruba Orisha tradition, part of her own heritage. She saw images of the Orisha in Salvador, Brazil.
“We still don’t have enough stories, enough representation of people who look like us being that protagonist,” she told the BBC.
IOL said Hollywood studios are turning to African music to shape big film franchises.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever grossed about $859 million worldwide in 2022. Its soundtrack featured Tems, Burna Boy, Fireboy DML and CKay, with some sessions recorded in Lagos.
Mufasa: The Lion King earned more than $720 million in 2024. South African composer Lebo M’s vocal arrangements are central to The Lion King franchise.
Africa’s recorded music revenue grew 15.2% in 2025 to $120 million, the IFPI Global Music Report 2026 said. That is more than double the global growth rate of 6.4%. South Africa remains the region’s largest market.
Damson Idris plays Prince Inan. He told ELLE the film would give audiences the same feeling as Black Panther. “We’re creating something that you have not seen before,” he said.
After filming wrapped, Prince-Bythewood wrote on Instagram: “74 days. Two countries and two islands. A passionate and dedicated crew.”
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL. Image: IOL. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Entertainment desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Rirhandzu Baloyi writes about entertainment for Tzaneen Voice. Rirhandzu covers South African music, film, TV, streaming, awards and celebrity news, from amapiano and local soapies to Showmax and Netflix releases. Stories stick to what happened, who was involved and when fans can watch or listen.