Meet the Nigerian Stars of Children of Blood and Bone

This one is another reminder that Naija no dey carry last. Children of Blood and Bone is bringing Nigerian talent to the global stage, with Nigerian actors appearing in the film and Nigerian artists adding their voices to the soundtrack.

At Uncutxtra, we are rounding up the Nigerian names attached to this highly anticipated Hollywood fantasy film. From the stars on screen to the artists behind the music, here are the Nigerian talents you should know.

The Nigerian Actors On Screen

Nollywood legend Richard Mofe Damijo, popularly known as RMD, joins the cast, bringing decades of Nigerian film heritage into a major Hollywood production. His casting connects Nollywood’s foundation years directly to this new global moment.

 

Afrobeats star Ayra Starr also secured a role in the film, marking her first major move into acting. Additionally, Zackary Momoh, a British Nigerian actor known for Harriet, rounds out the more established names.

Two rising stars, Pamilerin Ayodeji and Shamz Garuba, earned their roles through an open casting call held in Nigeria. Furthermore, Kola Bodunde and Temi Fagbenle complete the Nigerian contingent on screen.

More Nigerian Talent Bringing Children of Blood and Bone to Life

The Nigerian roots run deeper in this cast than many fans initially realized. Chiwetel Ejiofor, born in London to Igbo parents, takes on the role of King Saran, the film’s main antagonist. His performance carries serious weight, and his heritage adds an extra layer of authenticity to a character central to the story’s conflict.

Tomi Adeyemi herself deserves a spot on this list too. The Nigerian American author created the entire world of Children of Blood and Bone, drawing directly from Yoruba mythology and West African spirituality to build the story from scratch. Beyond writing the bestselling novel, she also helped write the screenplay and holds an executive producer credit on the film. So even with everything that has unfolded around the production, her fingerprints remain all over this story, from the page to the screen.

Cynthia Erivo, also British Nigerian, plays Admiral Kaea. Erivo was born in England to Nigerian immigrant parents and has spoken openly about her Nigerian identity shaping her artistry. Alongside her, Damson Idris steps into the role of Prince Inan. Idris grew up in Peckham, London, raised by his Yoruba Nigerian mother, and has said his upbringing straddling British and Yoruba culture shaped how he approaches every role he takes on.

Other Nigerian heritage on screen is Tosin Cole, who plays Tzain, Zelie’s brother. Cole was born in New York to Nigerian parents and raised between London and Lagos, giving him a genuinely rooted connection to the story’s world.

Temi Fagbenle also joins the cast, adding another Nigerian voice to a film already carrying strong ties to home. Between the actors playing royalty, warriors, and family, this adaptation is proving to be a true showcase of the Nigerian diaspora’s reach across Hollywood.

Tems Makes History On The Soundtrack

Grammy-winning artist Tems was named executive music producer and curator of the film’s soundtrack. This makes her the first woman to executive produce a movie soundtrack at this scale.

Tems contributed three original songs to the project. Director Gina Prince Bythewood said the soundtrack has absolutely no skips, and honestly, we believe her.

Burna Boy Steps In As Executive Music Consultant

Burna Boy joins the production as executive music consultant. His track Alone reportedly inspired the director while writing the screenplay, which says a lot about his influence on the film’s sound.

The wider soundtrack lineup also includes Fireboy DML and BNXN, alongside Ayra Starr, giving this soundtrack an unmistakably Afrobeats heartbeat.

Why This Lineup Matters

Between Nollywood veterans, rising talent, and two of Afrobeats’ biggest global exports, Children of Blood and Bone is proving that Nigerian creativity belongs on the world’s biggest stages. The film hits theaters on January 15, 2027.

Which Nigerian star on this list are you most excited to see? Comment below and follow Uncutxtra for more Naija wins in global entertainment. Check out our previous blog post on Why Tomi Adeyemi Is Walking Away From Her Own Film Adaptation.

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Click the link embedded in the photo below to view the Children of Blood And Bone trailer.