Ayra Starr

Grammy-nominated Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr has taken a bold leap into the world of acting with her cinematic debut in the upcoming fantasy epic Children of Blood and Bone. The film, based on the best-selling novel by Nigerian-American author Tomi Adeyemi, boasts a star-studded cast that includes global heavyweights such as Idris Elba, Viola Davis, and Cynthia Erivo.

The 22-year-old singer, best known for hits like Rush and Bloody Samaritan, plays a role in the high-profile adaptation that aims to bring West African mythology and cultural heritage to a global audience. Children of Blood and Bone, the first in Adeyemi’s Legacy of Orïsha trilogy, tells the story of Zélie Adebola, a young heroine determined to restore magic to her people following years of brutal suppression by a ruling monarchy. The narrative explores themes of identity, resistance, and empowerment—all within a richly imagined African fantasy universe.

Speaking in a recent interview with CBS Mornings, Ayra Starr reflected on the significance of the project and how it marked a turning point in her creative journey. “I’ve always been shy when it comes to acting,” she revealed. “But this is the first time in my life that I’ve been on camera and I’m not singing. I learnt so much from everybody on set—not even just the greats. Even the younger actors, the 14-year-olds, the 16-year-olds—they inspired me. Watching them helped me grow.”

Starr was full of praise for her co-stars, calling the experience both humbling and transformational. “Working alongside icons like Viola Davis and Idris Elba was like a masterclass every day. It wasn’t just about being part of something exciting; it was about witnessing excellence and dedication up close. It challenged me and reminded me that I could do more than I imagined.”

Her foray into acting comes as her music career continues to flourish internationally. Earlier this year, Starr received a historic nomination in the inaugural Best African Music Performance category at the Grammy Awards, further cementing her place in the ongoing global rise of Afrobeats.

“Afrobeats has been bubbling in Africa for years,” she said during the interview. “Now the world’s just catching up. This sound—this high vibrational frequency—people are starting to realise how powerful and healing it is.”

In yet another career milestone, Ayra Starr is also set to join British rock band Coldplay on their global Music of the Spheres tour this summer, where she will perform for audiences across Europe and North America. The tour appearance marks another crossover achievement, bringing African pop into new mainstream territories.

Children of Blood and Bone is anticipated to break new ground in Hollywood’s depiction of African stories. Often compared to Harry Potter and The Hunger Games for its rich world-building and allegorical depth, the film is expected to spotlight the untapped potential of African fantasy literature in global cinema. The project, years in the making, also signals a shift toward more diverse storytelling in big-budget filmmaking, with African creatives like Adeyemi, Starr, and others at the forefront.

For Ayra Starr, who was born in Benin Republic and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, the journey from performing in school choirs to headlining tours and acting in major Hollywood productions is nothing short of extraordinary. Her transition into film underscores a growing trend among African artists redefining what it means to be multi-talented in a global cultural landscape.

“Everything I do, whether music or acting, is rooted in who I am,” she said. “It’s about showing the world that we’re not just one thing—we’re everything.”