Fans have their first official look at Children of Blood and Bone, as Entertainment Weekly released a collection of official images from the highly anticipated fantasy film. The photographs offer the first glimpse of the cast in character, introducing audiences to the Kingdom of Orïsha and the major figures who will bring Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling novel to the big screen.

The newly released images offer a closer look at the world of Orïsha and some of its central characters. Thuso Mbedu appears as Zélie Adebola with her distinctive white hair and simple earth-toned clothing, reflecting the character’s humble background. Regina King is introduced as Queen Nehanda, seated on an ornately carved throne in royal attire, while Chiwetel Ejiofor makes his first appearance as King Saran in dark ceremonial robes. Another image features Cynthia Erivo as Admiral Kaea in battle armour, reinforcing the character’s military role. The photographs also reveal wide desert landscapes, large palace interiors and African-inspired architecture that shape the setting of the film.

Photo: Instagram

Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, the adaptation is based on Tomi Adeyemi’s 2018 novel, the first book in the Legacy of Orïsha trilogy. Set in a fictional African-inspired kingdom, the story follows Zélie Adebola as she embarks on a dangerous journey to restore magic after it is wiped out by a ruthless monarchy.

Leading the cast is South African actress Thuso Mbedu as Zélie, alongside Tosin Cole as her older brother, Tzain. Amandla Stenberg stars as Princess Amari, while Damson Idris plays Prince Inan. Chiwetel Ejiofor and Regina King portray King Saran and Queen Nehanda, the rulers whose actions shape the fate of Orïsha.

Photo: Instagram

The ensemble also includes Viola Davis, Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, Lashana Lynch, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Temi Fagbenle, Bukky Bakray, Zackary Momoh, Saniyya Sidney, Diaana Babnicova, Pamilerin Ayodeji, Shamz Garuba, Kola Bodunde and Nigerian singer Ayra Starr, who makes her feature film debut. The cast has attracted attention since it was announced, bringing together award-winning actors and emerging talent from across Africa, the United States.

Children of Blood and Bone is scheduled to be released in cinemas on January 15, 2027, with Paramount Pictures distributing the film worldwide.

Photo: Instagram

With the first-look images now public, audiences have their earliest view of how key characters such as Zélie, King Saran, Queen Nehanda and Admiral Kaea will appear on screen. The images also provide an early look at the film’s costume design, production design and the visual interpretation of Orïsha ahead of its release.

Photo: Instagram

Photo: Instagram

Photo: Instagram

Senegalese-American singer and music executive Akon has opened up about how his professional relationship with Wizkid began, crediting Nigerian singer and entrepreneur Banky W for introducing him to the Afrobeats star during the early stages of his career.

Speaking in a recent interview on The Shade Room, Akon recalled that Banky W played a key role in connecting him with Wizkid while the Nigerian singer was still signed to Empire Mates Entertainment (EME). According to Akon, Banky W believed Wizkid had the talent to succeed beyond Nigeria and reached out to explore opportunities that could help expand his reach internationally.

Photo: Facebook

The collaboration eventually led to Wizkid signing with Akon’s music company, Konvict Muzik, through a partnership with EME.

Reflecting on that period, Akon said he was impressed by Wizkid’s talent from the beginning. He added that Banky W strongly believed in the singer’s potential and worked to create opportunities that would introduce his music to audiences outside Africa.

The partnership came at a time when Wizkid was gaining attention with songs from his debut album, “Superstar”, released in 2011. Tracks such as “Holla at Your Boy”, “Don’t Dull” and “Pakurumo” helped establish him as one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising artists, attracting interest from international music executives.

Photo: Instagram

The partnership became one of Wizkid’s earliest international career moves, helping expand his exposure beyond Nigeria. In the years that followed, he went on to collaborate with several international stars, including Drake on the chart-topping hit “One Dance”, as well as Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Justin Bieber and many others.

Akon’s comments also highlight Banky W’s contribution to the development of Wizkid’s career. As the founder of EME, Banky W signed Wizkid in 2009 and helped shape his early years in the industry before Wizkid later parted ways with EME and launched his own imprint, Starboy Entertainment.

Today, Wizkid is regarded as one of the biggest African artists of his generation, with Grammy recognition, multiple international awards and sold-out performances across major venues worldwide. Akon’s reflection serves as a reminder of an important chapter in that journey, showing how a connection made through Banky W helped open the door to opportunities that would later contribute to Wizkid’s rise on the global stage.

Burna Boy is set to perform on one of football’s biggest stages after FIFA confirmed him as part of the lineup for the first-ever halftime show at a FIFA World Cup final. The Nigerian Grammy-winning artist will share the stage with Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber and South Korean group BTS during the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19 at New York Jersey Stadium.

The announcement marks a new direction for FIFA, which has never staged a halftime entertainment show during a men’s World Cup final. Inspired by the Super Bowl format, the performance is expected to take place during the halftime interval.

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According to FIFA, the show is being curated by Chris Martin, the lead singer of Coldplay, in collaboration with Global Citizen. The halftime performance also forms part of a wider effort to support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, an initiative that aims to raise 100 million dollars to improve children’s access to education and football programmes around the world.

For Burna Boy, the performance adds another major international appearance to a career that has seen him headline festivals and perform at global sporting and cultural events. This time, he will be part of a lineup that brings together artists from different musical backgrounds for an event expected to attract audiences across the world.

Burna Boy and Shakira will also perform “Dai Dai,” the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Shakira’s involvement carries added significance, having previously recorded and performed “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which remains one of the tournament’s most recognisable anthems.

Photo: Instagram

Speaking about the upcoming event, Shakira described the halftime show as “pretty historic,” noting that it will be the first of its kind at a FIFA World Cup final. Her comments reflect the significance of FIFA’s decision to introduce a dedicated musical performance during the championship match.

The inclusion of Burna Boy alongside internationally recognised artists such as Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira and BTS places a Nigerian artist at the centre of one of the most anticipated entertainment moments of the tournament. As fans count down to the 2026 World Cup final, the halftime show is expected to add a new chapter to FIFA’s match-day experience while supporting a global education initiative beyond the football pitch.