Hollywood is increasingly turning to African musical ecosystems to shape the cultural identity, marketing strategy, and expand the global reach of major film franchises.
A new fantasy film inspired by Africa is currently emerging, representing one of the most ambitious projects led by a Black Hollywood team in recent years. It features South African actress Tuso Mbedu, alongside Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Nigerian singer Ayra Starr.
The first trailer, released in July 2026, introduces viewers to the mythical kingdom of Orisha, where a powerful monarchy brutally destroyed magic. The plot follows Zeli Adebola as she embarks on a journey to restore magic for her people.
The novel upon which the film is based debuted at number one on the New York Times YA bestseller list, staying there for over 120 weeks, and has been translated into more than 30 languages. Beyond its scale, the book 'Children of Blood and Bone' emphasizes the significance of African music in shaping global identity and attracting the film's audience.
Paramount has appointed Grammy winner, Nigerian singer-songwriter Temi, as the executive music producer and soundtrack curator, giving her control over the creative direction and artist selection. The soundtrack is expected to feature some of the most renowned contemporary African artists, including Grammy winner Burna Boy, Grammy nominee Ayra Starr, Fireboy DML, and BNXN.
According to author Tomi Adeyemi, the story was inspired by the discovery of the Yoruba Orisha tradition and the realization that African mythology can sustain epic fantasy on a global scale. Discussing this with the BBC, she explained that the inspiration came after watching Orisha performances in Salvador, Brazil, and realizing that this tradition is rooted in Yoruba culture, which is her own heritage.
Adeyemi noted: 'We still don't have enough stories, not enough representation of people who look like us in the role of the protagonist, in the role of the person who kills the dragon, in the role of the person riding a giant lion.' She added: 'I hope they leave this book feeling as magical, strong, and beautiful as they are.'
This creative vision explains why the soundtrack has become a central element of the adaptation. The film creates a fantasy world whose mythology, language, and emotional distinctiveness are based on African cultural traditions.
The film reflects a broader shift in the global entertainment industry. Hollywood studios are increasingly utilizing African musical ecosystems to build the cultural identity, marketing strategy, and international appeal of major film franchises.
The announcement of the soundtrack is significant because Temi is shaping the film's musical architecture. Her appointment places an African artist at the center of the Hollywood project's soundtrack strategy—a level of creative influence that is becoming increasingly important as studios use music to build franchises in theaters, on streaming platforms, and in global fan communities.
This shift has been gaining momentum over several years. Marvel's film 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' demonstrated how African music can drive world-building for a franchise and deepen the cultural identity of a global entertainment product. The 2022 film grossed approximately $859 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of that year.
Its soundtrack included Temi, Burna Boy, Fireboy DML, and CKay, with some recordings for the project taking place in Lagos. The soundtrack helped broaden the film's cultural reach among African and diaspora audiences, generating streaming momentum and music marketing that continued long after the theatrical release.
Disney expanded this model with the 2024 film 'Mufasa: The Lion King.' The film earned over $720 million worldwide and relied heavily on musical direction from South Africa through composer and producer Lebo M, whose vocal arrangements and multilingual African musical contributions became central to the 'Lion King' franchise. 'Mufasa' integrated African musical traditions into the sonic identity of one of Disney's most valuable global assets.
African artists have expanded their involvement from soundtrack collaborations to leading soundtracks, creative direction, and world-building, exerting growing influence on how films sound, feel, and disseminate internationally.
Temi's appointment comes as African music becomes one of the fastest-growing segments of the global music business. According to the IFPI Global Music Report 2026, recorded music revenue in Africa grew by 15.2% in 2025, reaching $120 million, more than double the growth rate of the global industry at 6.4%, with South Africa remaining the region's largest market.
Streaming has been the main driver of this expansion. IFPI reported that global streaming revenues exceeded $22 billion in 2025, while African artists continue to expand on international streaming platforms, partnerships with major labels, and global soundtrack collaborations, increasing the value of music publishing, synchronization licensing, and soundtrack rights in film and television.
A soundtrack featuring artists like Temi, Burna Boy, and Ayra Starr immediately connects the film with millions of African listeners and diaspora audiences on streaming platforms, social media, and live performance venues. The soundtrack becomes a parallel marketing tool capable of boosting audience engagement before the film's cinema release and sustaining attention long after the premiere.
'Children of Blood and Bone' was filmed in South Africa and the Canary Islands in 2025, and the cast brings together talent from across the African continent and the global Black diaspora. The soundtrack extends this collaboration into music, linking African artists, producers, and audiences with a fantasy project on a franchise scale, based on African mythology.
Damson Idris, who plays Prince Ian in the film, suggested that viewers will experience a similar sense of cultural magnitude as when watching 'Black Panther.' Speaking to ELLE, he said: 'The same feeling you had leaving Black Panther, you will have here, but even more so. We are creating something you have never seen before.'
Director Gina Prince-Bythewood also emphasized the scale of production. After wrapping filming, she wrote on Instagram: 'Filming complete! 74 days. Two countries and two islands. A passionate and dedicated team. And an extraordinary cast who gave EVERYTHING. And the journey has just begun.'
