Rihanna Co-stars in Donald Glover's 'Guava Island' filmed in Cuba

Rihanna Co-stars in Donald Glover's 'Guava Island' filmed in Cuba

A new musical short ‘Guava Island’ hits Amazon Prime and it’s another brilliant creation from Donald Glover a.k.a “Childish Gambino” and co-stars the equally amazing, Rihanna.

One of the best things to come out of Coachella or rather, forever ‘Beychella’ was  the debut of ‘Guava Island’ where Glover “Childish Gambino” headlined.

Though ‘Guava Island’ is a ‘thriller musical’, don’t expect ‘Ri Ri’ to break out in song or dance, she does groove a bit with Glover’s character, so at the end – it works.

We get to see Rihanna’s acting chops are on display – and helloooo Hollywood! Rihanna has starred in supporting roles in movies ‘Ocean’s 8’, ‘Battleship’ and ‘Annie’ to name a few. With ‘Guava Island’, Rihanna plays a seamstress and is coupled up with Glover’s character, Deni. Rihanna shines as the star and anchors the film with a natural ease and overall strong performance.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

#GuavaIsland @amazonprimevideo hit the link in my bio

A post shared by badgalriri (@badgalriri) on

In ‘Guava Island’, Glover plays Deni Maroon, a community-oriented musician who stares business tycoons in the face and aspires to organize a festival of sorts to liberate the oppressed people of Guava Island.

‘Guava Island is loosely inspired by Prince’s ‘Purple Rain’, ‘City of God’ (2003) and ‘Touki Bouki’ (1991), Glover/Gambino incorporates his past songs like ‘Summertime Magic’, repurposes the memorable ‘This is America’ TIA with tropical Cuba as the backdrop. TIA debuted last May 2018  and if you watched it, had everyone caught up in its timing, symbolism and raw edge. The TIA  Cuban scene speaks to how capitalism functions in America. Glover definitely gets you thinking through his artivism.

Filmed in Havana, Cuba – the producers, one being Glover’s brother stayed true to the script and were thoughtful to the economy, ensured authenticity was at the forefront by casting Afro-Latinx locals, something you don’t see mainstream film or movie makers doing. Traditional Cuban and Afro-Caribbean sounds were used as well.  

You can find the nearly one-hour ‘Guava Island’ musical film on Amazon Prime – ready to stream and enjoy!

Read More

Latina Boxers Breaking Barriers: 5 Fighters to Know in 2026

Latina Boxers Breaking Barriers: 5 Fighters to Know in 2026

One holds a Guinness World Record. One retired undefeated and undisputed. Three more are fighting their way to Los Angeles. Five Latina boxers, and where each of them stands in 2026.

—
Our Silence Was Never Ours to Begin With

Our Silence Was Never Ours to Begin With

In this installment of BoldLatina’s Community Essay series, author, award-winning filmmaker, and keynote speaker Denise Soler Cox whom we previously interviewed about language and Latino cultural identity in “Being Latino Enough” reflects on the rape case that has shaken the nation.

—
Barbie and Ken's 2026 Día de Muertos Dolls Are Here, and a Latina Designed Them

Barbie and Ken's 2026 Día de Muertos Dolls Are Here, and a Latina Designed Them

Mattel's newest Día de Muertos collection arrives with red satin, sugar-skull masks, and embroidery pulled from Mexican pottery.

—
Shein Says Selena's Face Isn't Its Problem. That Argument Should Worry Every Latina Who Owns One.

Shein Says Selena's Face Isn't Its Problem. That Argument Should Worry Every Latina Who Owns One.

Selena Quintanilla’s estate is suing Shein over allegedly unauthorized merchandise bearing her image, raising questions about who profits from a woman’s likeness; what the case could mean for Latina creators.

—

Join our community

Get weekly inspiration for living well delivered straight to your inbox.