Grammy-winning singer Tems has added another major achievement to her career. The Nigerian star has become the first woman to executive produce the soundtrack for a major film, taking the lead on the music for Children of Blood and Bone, the highly anticipated fantasy adaptation directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood.
The announcement was made during a July 27 trailer screening at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Prince-Bythewood revealed that Tems not only helped shape the soundtrack but also curated new music that captures the spirit of the film. Her role marks a significant milestone for women in both music and film.
Tems Leads the Children of Blood and Bone Soundtrack
Prince-Bythewood shared that Tems played a key role in bringing the soundtrack to life. The director said the Grammy winner was one of her biggest musical inspirations while writing the film.
“There were about twenty songs, but there were two songs that were on repeat, and the first one was ‘Try Me’ by Tems,” Prince-Bythewood told the audience.
That admiration led to a bigger opportunity. The director recalled telling studio executives exactly who she wanted to lead the project’s music.
“I want Tems to curate our soundtrack. I want her to EP.”
The soundtrack includes three brand-new songs from Tems. It also features music from artists including Fireboy, BNXN (formerly known as Buju), Ayra Starr, and Beyoncé. Burna Boy also served as a music consultant for the project.
Tems Reaches a Historic Milestone in Film Music
Prince-Bythewood highlighted the importance of Tems’ achievement during the event. She explained that women rarely receive opportunities to oversee music at this level in major film productions.
“She’s actually the first woman to executive produce a soundtrack at this level,” Prince-Bythewood said.
The director praised Tems for taking on a role she had never held before. She also expressed confidence in the final result.
“We’ve got three new Tems tracks. We’ve got Fireboy, we’ve got Benson, we’ve got Arya. The soundtrack is so amazing, and I’m so proud of Tems, who again had never done it before and put together something extraordinary.”
Prince-Bythewood even described the soundtrack as having “no skips whatsoever,” reflecting her excitement about the collection of songs.
Children of Blood and Bone Celebrates Black Culture and Identity
Based on Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling fantasy novel, Children of Blood and Bone takes place in the fictional kingdom of Orïsha. The story draws inspiration from African spiritual traditions while exploring themes of cultural identity, family legacy, courage, and personal power.
The trailer features Thuso Mbedu as Zélie, a young woman fighting to restore the stolen magic of the Orïsha people. The cast also includes Tosin Cole, Lashana Lynch, Zackary Momoh, Damson Idris, Amandla Stenberg, Cynthia Erivo, Viola Davis, Regina King, and Idris Elba.
Prince-Bythewood also recognized the creative team behind the film’s visual world. She praised production designer Hannah Beachler, costume designer Charlese Antoinette Jones, and head of hair design Andrea Mona Bowman for helping bring Orïsha to life.
Cast Says the Film Reflects the Power Already Within Black Communities
During the event, several cast members discussed the film’s deeper message. Lashana Lynch said the story represents the strength that has always existed within Black communities.
“This story is a reminder that it’s always been there. It’s still in there, and that we don’t even need to try hard to access it. The magic isn’t rooted in fantasy, it’s rooted in us.”
Regina King also spoke about the film’s impact. She believes Children of Blood and Bone will influence storytelling for years to come.
“What you guys are about to see is something we’ve never seen before, and we all are a part of that.”
She added:
“My belief is there’s going to be storytelling on film that was before Children of Blood and Bone and after.”
The film is scheduled to premiere on January 15, 2027, bringing one of the most celebrated Black fantasy stories to audiences worldwide while marking another groundbreaking chapter in Tems’ growing career.
