After three years away from the music scene, Rihanna is back—and this time, she’s bringing the magic of music to a new generation. The global superstar just released her newest single, “Friend of Mine,” as part of the soundtrack for the upcoming animated film The Smurfs, premiering July 18, 2025.
The upbeat track blends afrobeats, electronic elements, and rhythmic drums, creating a danceable soundscape with a heartwarming message about connection and friendship. Lyrics like “Just met you tonight, but you feel like a friend of mine” hint at the film’s playful and heartfelt tone. It’s Rihanna’s first single since 2022’s Oscar-nominated “Lift Me Up” from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
The music video, released on May 16, 2025, offers a delightful preview of Rihanna’s dual role in the project: not only does she perform the lead single, but she also voices Smurfette, one of the film’s central characters. The video shows her exploring the animated Smurfs’ village, interacting with characters in a vivid, whimsical world—a significant pivot toward family-friendly content as she navigates motherhood.
Directed by Chris Miller, the 2025 reboot of The Smurfs centers around Smurfette leading a daring mission to rescue Papa Smurf from a group of evil sorcerers. The film boasts an all-star voice cast including John Goodman, James Corden, Sandra Oh, Octavia Spencer, Nick Offerman, Dan Levy, and Kurt Russell.
In addition to Rihanna’s track, the film’s soundtrack includes “Higher Love,” a high-energy collaboration between Desi Trill, DJ Khaled, Cardi B, Natania, and Subhi, which dropped earlier in February 2025.
