Singer Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, popularly known as Ayra Starr, is set to make her feature film debut as the lead actress in Children of Blood and Bone, starring alongside Hollywood heavyweights Viola Davis, Amandla Stenberg, Idris Elba and others.
The announcement was made on Saturday on Blavity’s Instagram page, confirming that the 23-year-old will play Zélie Adebola, the protagonist in the film adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling novel.
The story follows Zélie’s quest to restore magic to the kingdom of Orïsha, where the ruling elite has suppressed the once-powerful maji.
Filming is currently taking place in Lagos, Nigeria and South Africa.
Other stars include, Thuso Mbedu, Pamilerin Ayodeji, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Damson Idris, Regina King, Chiwetel Ejiofor and others.
The film is slated for release in January 2027.
Ayra is renowned for her hit songs such as ‘Away,’ ‘Rush,’ ‘Bloody Civilian’ and ‘Last Heartbreak Song.’