Tyla Joins Star-Studded SMURFS Movie Soundtrack with Rihanna, Cardi B, and More on FRIEND OF MINE

Jephthah Nana Adjei Osei - Mensah
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Tyla Joins Star-Studded SMURFS Movie Soundtrack with Rihanna, Cardi B, and More on FRIEND OF MINE
Tyla


South African pop-amapiano artiste Tyla has been confirmed to feature on the soundtrack for the upcoming SMURFS movie, set to release on July 18, 2025, joining global heavyweights like Rihanna, Cardi B, DJ Khaled, Desi Trill, Natania, and Subhi. Tyla’s inclusion marks another milestone in her meteoric rise, following her stunning 2025 Met Gala appearance in a custom Jacquemus gown and her collaboration with BLACKPINK’s Lisa on WHEN IM WITH YOU.

The soundtrack, distributed via Roc Nation, has already made waves with its lead single HIGHER LOVE by Desi Trill, featuring DJ Khaled, Cardi B, Natania, and Subhi, which dropped in February and blends South Asian influences with hip-hop. Tyla’s yet-to-be-revealed track is expected to bring her signature amapiano flair, adding to the diverse musical tapestry of the film, which follows Smurfette (voiced by Rihanna) on a mission to rescue Papa Smurf from evil wizards Razamel and Gargamel.

The Smurfs soundtrack is shaping up to be a cultural milestone, with Rihanna’s recent released FRIEND OF MINE, marking her first musical release since 2022’s LIFT ME UP for BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER. The full soundtrack, set for release on June 13, features an eclectic mix of artistes, reflecting the film’s aim to bridge global audiences through music. Natania and Subhi, representing Desi Trill, have brought South Asian representation to the forefront with HIGHER LOVE, the first Punjabi-Indian song in a major Hollywood animated feature. 

Fans are elated, with many hoping for a Tyla-Rihanna red carpet moment at the premiere, though some express skepticism about the film’s plot, calling it a “carbon copy” of Trolls due to its music-heavy, city-adventure narrative. The all-star voice cast, including James Corden, Nick Offerman, and Sandra Oh, further elevates the project’s appeal.

However, the Smurfs soundtrack’s star power raises questions about authenticity versus commercial appeal. While Tyla and artistes like Natania and Subhi bring cultural depth, the heavy reliance on mainstream names like Cardi B and DJ Khaled could overshadow the film’s whimsical roots, a concern echoed fans who worry the franchise is chasing trends rather than innovating. 

The blending of diverse musical styles, amapiano, Punjabi, hip-hop, and pop, might risk a disjointed soundtrack, potentially alienating younger audiences expecting a more cohesive SMURFS vibe. As Tyla continues to shine globally, her contribution to this soundtrack, alongside Rihanna and others, positions her as a rising force, but the project’s success will hinge on whether it can balance its ambitious lineup with the charm of the SMURFS’ legacy.

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