Grammy-nominated Nigerian singer Ayra Starr has explained all that went on set and behind the scenes while making her acting debut in the American fantasy film “Children of Blood and Bone.”
Speaking on her experience in a recent interview with CBS, Starr stressed that the experience made her respect actors more than ever.
Ayra Starr said,
“It [Children of Blood and Bone] is my first movie ever. You know, I’m used to being a singer and diva on set, but this one with the movie is like, it’s not about you. You’ve to be on set on time. So, it made me get used to military time and working hard. I respect actors so much more now. Their stamina is impeccable.
“Acting is something I have always wanted to do. I love music, but I’ve always loved acting. I’ve always been shy when it comes to acting. But this is the first time in my life that I’ve been on camera and I’m not singing. It was amazing. I learned so much from everyone, not just the greats.”
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The film is an adaptation of Nigerian-American writer, Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling novel, Children of Blood and Bone.
It is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. The star-studded cast includes Damson Idris, Tosin Cole, Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Cynthia Erivo, Viola Davis, and Thuso Mbedu.
The movie is scheduled to be released by Paramount Pictures on January 15, 2027.
Meanwhile, veteran Nollywood actress Stella Damasus has explained how frustrating it is to get a movie role in Hollywood.
In a recent viral clip, the actress recalled how casting directors and producers overseas frequently required a particular “African” accent, which she says doesn’t reflect how real Africans speak.
“They’re like, ‘No, there’s a particular kind of accent that you must have.’ So that’s why they force our people to put it on. ‘Hey, my name is this… Have you ever come to this place?’ I’m like, we don’t talk like that.”
Stella Damasus emphasised that Africa is not a monolith and that countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and others all have their unique tones and dialects, not the overly stereotyped version often portrayed on Western screens.