Tems Executive Produces Children of Blood and Bone Soundtrack
Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Tems will oversee the music for Paramount's film adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi's novel, with Burna Boy as executive music consultant.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Reggae
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Nigerian singer Tems has been named executive music producer for the soundtrack of Paramount's film version of Tomi Adeyemi's novel Children of Blood and Bone. Tems announced the role in a collaborative Instagram video with Paramount Pictures and director Gina Prince-Bythewood, and said she curated the soundtrack herself.
Why it matters
The soundtrack brings together a large group of West African and diaspora artists around an adaptation rooted in the mythology of the region. Tems' lead single 'African Love Story' is scheduled for release on November 20, offering an early look at the project's musical direction.
The soundtrack features 11 artists, including Burna Boy, Fireboy DML, Ayra Starr, BNXN, Kold AF, Obongjayar, Moelogo, Daecolm, Pa Salieu, Show Dem Camp, and Moonchild Sanelly. The complete tracklist and the full album release schedule have not yet been announced.
The players
Tems
Nigerian singer and songwriter who co-wrote 'Lift Me' for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and earned an Oscar nomination for the song.
Burna Boy
Nigerian Afrobeats artist and Grammy Award winner serving as executive music consultant on the soundtrack.
Gina Prince-Bythewood
American filmmaker who directs the Paramount adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone.
Paramount Pictures
Major American film studio producing the film adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi's fantasy novel.
The details
Tems announced her role in a collaborative Instagram video shared with the film's official page, Paramount Pictures, and director Gina Prince-Bythewood. Thuso Mbedu leads the cast as Zélie, and Ayra Starr is also in the film's cast.
Timeline
November 20: Release of lead single 'African Love Story'
January 15, 2027: Film opens in cinemas
Industry Dynamics
The project follows Tems' Oscar-nominated 'Lift Me' for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, extending a pattern of African artists taking central roles in major Hollywood productions. It positions African music at the creative core of a studio fantasy film rather than as licensed background material.
Listeners can stream the lead single 'African Love Story' starting November 20. Moviegoers will be able to see the film in cinemas beginning January 15, 2027.
The takeaway
Watch for the November 20 release of 'African Love Story' as an early preview of the soundtrack's sound. Film soundtracks built around artists from a story's cultural roots can serve as a fuller introduction to that music.
What happens next
The lead single 'African Love Story' is due for release on November 20, and the film opens in cinemas on January 15, 2027.
Further reading
Explore more African and Caribbean sounds in our Reggae section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Thewillnews.
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