Global superstar Rihanna has released her first new music since 2022 with new single ‘Friend of Mine’ from the upcoming Smurfs animated film.
This is her first release since ‘Born Again’ from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. The musician will go on to voice Smurfette in the animated movie released in cinemas nationwide on July 18th.
The plot of the upcoming addition to the blue cartoon universe reads: “When Papa Smurf (John Goodman) is mysteriously taken by evil wizards, Razamel and Gargamel, Smurfette (Rihanna) leads the Smurfs on a mission into the real world to save him. With the help of new friends, the Smurfs must discover what defines their destiny to save the universe.”
The last instalment, Smurfs: The Lost Village, was released in 2017. The 2025 addition promises a more modern take, with an ‘Influencer’ Smurf included in the cast, and the suggestion of a new, boundary-pushing animation style near the end of the clip.
The 37-year-old singer hasn’t released an album since 2016’s ANTI. Only recently did the global sensation attend the Met Gala and confirm that she was pregnant with A$AP Rocky’s third child.
As expected, some are disappointed that they won’t get an album anytime soon, but others are waiting for A$AP Rocky to drop Don’t Be Dumb.
Rihanna will be co-starring with Natasha Lyonne, Nick Offerman, Amy Sedaris, Nick Kroll and Dan Levy. Chris Miller, director of animated classics such as Shrek the Third and Puss in Boots, will be taking the reigns of the project. Rihanna is also cited as a movie producer. The movie will also include the song ‘Higher Love,’ which was recorded by Desi Trill and features DJ Khaled, Cardi B, Natania, and Subhi.
