Marrakech – Rihanna is making a highly anticipated return to music with her new single, “Friend of Mine,” set to release tomorrow.

This track marks her first solo release since 2022’s “Lift Me Up” from the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” soundtrack.

“Friend of Mine” is featured in the upcoming Smurfs movie, where Rihanna not only contributes to the soundtrack but also voices the character Smurfette.

An animated reboot of the classic franchise, the film is scheduled to premiere on July 18, 2025.

The song introduces an Afrobeats-inspired dance rhythm, showcasing Rihanna’s versatility and aligning with the film’s vibrant energy . Fans can catch a preview of the track in the movie’s trailer, which also highlights Rihanna’s role as Smurfette.

In addition to her musical and voice acting contributions, Rihanna is the film’s producer, further expanding her creative portfolio.

The Smurfs movie features a star-studded cast, including John Goodman, James Corden, Nick Offerman, and Sandra Oh.

While fans eagerly await her long-rumored ninth studio album, Rihanna’s involvement in the Smurfs project offers a delightful glimpse into her multifaceted talents and continues to build anticipation for her future musical endeavors.

For a sneak peek at the film and the new song, watch the official trailer!