Rihanna Returns to Music with ‘Friend of Mine’: A Smurfy Surprise

Rihanna’s announcement of her new song “Friend of Mine” for the upcoming Smurfs movie has taken the music world by surprise. After a hiatus since her 2022 Oscar-nominated track “Lift Me Up,” fans were eager for her return. This unexpected collaboration with the animated franchise has sparked curiosity and excitement.

A Blue Surprise

The track, described as an Afrobeats-inspired dance song, features Rihanna’s vocals as she voices Smurfette in the film. The movie, set to release on July 18, 2025, follows Smurfette and her companions on a mission to rescue Papa Smurf from the evil wizard Gargamel. Rihanna’s involvement in the project includes not only voicing the lead character but also producing the film and contributing original songs to the soundtrack.

A Return to the Spotlight

This marks Rihanna’s first major musical release since her 2016 album Anti. Despite her focus on fashion and cosmetics in recent years, her return to music through this family-friendly project has intrigued fans and critics alike. The choice to collaborate with the Smurfs franchise raises questions about her artistic direction and the potential impact on her musical career.

Looking Ahead

As the release date approaches, anticipation builds. Will “Friend of Mine” signal a new era in Rihanna’s music career? Can a song tied to an animated film capture the essence of her previous hits? Only time will tell.