Nigerian singer Sarah Aderibigbe, popularly known as Ayra Starr, has made her first on-screen appearance in footage from Children of Blood and Bone, the highly anticipated Hollywood adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling fantasy novel.
The film, produced by Paramount Pictures, is scheduled for release in cinemas and IMAX worldwide on Jan. 15, 2027.
Director Gina Prince-Bythewood unveiled the first behind-the-scenes featurette on Instagram on Monday, offering fans an early glimpse into the mythical West African-inspired kingdom of Orïsha, where the story is set.
Sharing the teaser, Prince-Bythewood wrote: “So excited to share a peek behind the scenes of our incredible journey to Orisha. CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE trailer drops TOMORROW! And in theatres Jan. 15!”
Although Ayra Starr appears only briefly in the teaser, the footage marks the first visual confirmation of her role in the film and officially signals her Hollywood acting debut.
The teaser is soundtracked by Tems’ hit single “Me & U,” although the Grammy-winning singer is not part of the film’s cast.
Speaking in an earlier interview about securing the role, Ayra Starr described the opportunity as a significant milestone in her career.
“It’s a big deal. It’s my first movie ever. I’ve been in a movie, but I was in the movie as Ayra Starr. This is the first time I’m playing another character,” she said.
The singer also reflected on adapting to the demands of filmmaking after years of working in the music industry.
“I’m used to being a singer and being a diva on set, but with this one, in a movie, it’s not about you. You have to be on set on time,” she said.
“I got used to military time and being on set on time, working hard. I respect actors so much more now. Their stamina is impeccable.”
Children of Blood and Bone is based on Tomi Adeyemi’s acclaimed 2018 novel, the first book in the Legacy of Orïsha series. The fantasy epic follows Zélie Adebola, a young woman on a mission to restore magic to the kingdom of Orïsha after it was violently taken from its people.
The film features a star-studded cast, including Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo, Damson Idris, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Amandla Stenberg, with Ayra Starr making her feature film debut alongside the acclaimed actors.
