Grammy-nominated Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has shared her excitement and challenges after making her acting debut in the upcoming American fantasy film Children of Blood and Bone.
In an interview with CBS, Starr described the transition from music to acting as a demanding but rewarding experience, noting that it required a level of discipline she wasn’t used to in the music industry.
“This is my first movie ever,” she said. “I’m used to being a singer and a diva on set, but with this movie, it’s not about you. You have to be on set on time. It made me adjust to military time and hard work. I respect actors so much more now—their stamina is impeccable.”
Starr admitted that although she has always loved acting, she was previously too shy to pursue it seriously. “This is the first time I’ve been on camera without singing. It was amazing. I learned so much from everyone on set—not just the big names,” she added.
Children of Blood and Bone is based on the bestselling novel by Nigerian-American author Tomi Adeyemi and is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood.
The film features a high-profile cast, including Damson Idris, Tosin Cole, Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Cynthia Erivo, Viola Davis, and Thuso Mbedu.
Paramount Pictures is scheduled to release the movie on January 15, 2027.
The fantasy epic tells the story of a young woman’s quest to restore magic to her oppressed people in a West African-inspired world. The novel has been praised for its themes of resilience, identity, and justice.
Ayra Starr’s role in the film marks a significant expansion of her creative career beyond music.