Tems has offered a first preview of her new song “African Love Song” in the latest trailer for Children of Blood and Bone, the upcoming fantasy film based on Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling novel. Released by Paramount Pictures, the trailer gives audiences another look at the highly anticipated production, which features a major international cast and was partly filmed in Lagos, Nigeria.
Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, who co-wrote the screenplay with Adeyemi, Children of Blood and Bone brings the fictional kingdom of Orisha to the screen. The story follows Zélie Adebola, a young divîner who embarks on a dangerous mission to restore magic to her people after they have suffered under an oppressive regime. Joined by her brother Tzain, Zélie forms an unexpected alliance with Princess Amari and Prince Inan, the children of the ruthless King Saran. Together, they face the challenge of fighting against the king’s rule and changing the fate of their kingdom.
South African actress Thuso Mbedu leads the cast as Zélie, alongside Damson Idris as Prince Inan, Amandla Stenberg as Princess Amari and Tosin Cole as Tzain. The production also brings together several internationally recognised actors, including Viola Davis as Mama Agba, Idris Elba as Lekan, Chiwetel Ejiofor as King Saran, Regina King as Queen Nehanda, Cynthia Erivo as Admiral Kaea and Lashana Lynch as Jumoke.
Nigerian and other African talents also feature prominently in the film. Nollywood actor Richard Mofe-Damijo joins the cast, alongside Zackary Momoh as Adetayo, while Nigerian singer Ayra Starr also makes an appearance. Other cast members include Bukky Bakray, Temi Fagbenle, Shamz Garuba, Kola Bodunde and Pamilerin Afolake Ayodeji.
Beyond its cast and fantasy storyline, music is becoming another major part of the film’s appeal. The latest trailer features a preview of “African Love Song”, an original track by Nigerian singer Tems, who serves as executive music producer and curator of the official Children of Blood and Bone soundtrack. The Grammy-winning artist is contributing three original songs to the project, taking on a significant creative role in shaping its musical direction.
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Tems’ involvement also brings together a wider group of African and international artists for the soundtrack. Burna Boy joins the project as executive music consultant, with contributions from Ayra Starr, Fireboy DML, BNXN, Obongjayar, Show Dem Camp, Moelogo, Pa Salieu, Daecolm, Kold AF and Moonchild Sanelly. The film’s original score is composed by Terence Blanchard.
The soundtrack marks a notable production credit for Tems, with the singer described as the first woman to executive produce a film soundtrack on this scale. Her involvement places contemporary African music alongside a major film adaptation built around African mythology and storytelling.
Filming in Lagos also gives the production a direct connection to Nigeria, bringing the country’s locations and creative talent into an adaptation intended for an international cinema audience. The combination of African mythology, a multinational cast and contributions from established African musicians makes the film a significant screen project for the continent’s entertainment industry.
Children of Blood and Bone is scheduled to open in cinemas and IMAX on 15 January 2027. Wider releases in the United Kingdom, Nigeria and other international markets are set to begin on 22 January 2027.
Check the trailer below.
