Rihanna has unveiled a new single titled Friend of Mine, released on May 16, as part of the soundtrack for the upcoming Smurfs animated film, in which she also stars as the voice of Smurfette. This marks her first new release since 2022’s Lift Me Up, which was featured in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and earned her an Academy Award nomination.
The upbeat track blends Afrobeats-inspired rhythms with warm synths and danceable percussion. A preview of the song debuted in the film’s trailer earlier this week, showing Rihanna’s animated blue character singing and dancing through Smurf Village. The movie, which hits theaters on July 18, features an ensemble cast including John Goodman, James Corden, Nick Offerman, and Sandra Oh. The story follows the Smurfs as they unite to rescue Papa Smurf from an evil wizard.
Friend of Mine joins Higher Love—a track by DJ Khaled, Cardi B, DESI TRILL, Natania, and Subhi—on the movie’s soundtrack. South African singer Tyla is also expected to contribute music to the project. In addition to lending her voice to the film, Rihanna served as one of its producers.
The singer first announced her involvement with the film during CinemaCon 2023, where she appeared while pregnant with her second child. Speaking at the event, she said, “I get to show up in my PJs in my third trimester … I hope this gives me cool points with my kids one day.”
Rihanna recently confirmed her third pregnancy, debuting her baby bump at the 2025 Met Gala. She and partner A$AP Rocky are already parents to sons RZA and Riot Rose. Fans can stream Friend of Mine now and watch the accompanying video featuring a whimsical cameo by the pop icon herself.
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