The world of Orïsha is about to have a sound to match its scale.
Wilson Morales reports from the trailer launch event in New York City for Paramount Pictures’ Children of Blood and Bone, director Gina Prince-Bythewood announced that Grammy Award-winning Nigerian singer Tems will executive produce the film’s soundtrack, curating the overall musical vision and contributing three original songs. Burna Boy will also join the project as executive music consultant.
Based on Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling debut novel, Children of Blood and Bone is set in the West African-inspired mystical kingdom of Orïsha and follows Zélie Adebola, played by Thuso Mbedu, on a dangerous quest to restore the magic violently stolen from her people. Alongside her brother Tzain, played by Tosin Cole, and unlikely royal allies Amari, played by Amandla Stenberg, and Inan, played by Damson Idris, she must challenge the ruthless King Saran, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, to reclaim hope for her kingdom. The cast also includes Viola Davis, Regina King, Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, Lashana Lynch, Saniyya Sidney, Zackary Momoh, Bukky Bakray, Ayra Starr and more.
The music announcement adds yet another layer of cultural authenticity to one of 2027’s most anticipated films. With two of Afrobeats’ biggest global stars shaping the sonic landscape of Orïsha, the soundtrack is shaping up to be a cultural event of its own.
The film boasts an extraordinary creative team behind the camera. Academy Award-winning production designer Hannah Beachler leads the creation of the film’s environments. Costume designer Charlese Antoinette Jones crafts the richly detailed wardrobe inspired by West African cultures and traditions. Hair Department Head Andrea Mona Bowman and Makeup Department Head Matiki Anoff, who incorporates Yoruba-inspired body art into the character designs, help bring the visual identity of Orïsha to life. Renowned choreographer Fatima Robinson oversees the film’s movement and dance sequences, while Supervising Stunt Coordinator Daniel Hernandez brings the film’s ambitious action to life. Cinematographer Polly Morgan shoots the film, with composer Terence Blanchard scoring and editor Terilyn A. Shropshire cutting the film.
The full trailer drops Tuesday at 9 a.m. ET/6 a.m. PT. Before its wide theatrical release, Children of Blood and Bone will screen at the 24th annual Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival on August 7, with Prince-Bythewood and Mbedu in attendance for an exclusive footage preview opening the festival, followed by a Color of Conversation panel with the two.
Children of Blood and Bone opens exclusively in theaters, IMAX, Dolby Cinema and Premium Large Format theaters on January 15, 2027.