When people hear Bruno Mars, they immediately think of chart-topping hits, electrifying performances, and an artistry that spans decades. Yet, in 2025, Bruno Mars has embarked on a project that shows a more intimate side of his life. The superstar is collaborating with his two talented nephews, Nyjah Music and Zyah Rhythm, to create a new rendition of Elvis Presley’s iconic track, “Burning Love.” This version will appear in the live-action Lilo & Stitch soundtrack, slated for release on May 21, 2025. Fans and critics alike are wondering if this family collaboration hints at a shift towards kids’ music or if it is a one-off venture into family-centered creativity.

From the very start, this project has been positioned as more than just a musical endeavor. It reflects Bruno Mars’ dedication to family, culture, and legacy, while simultaneously presenting his nephews to an international audience. Through this collaboration, he demonstrates the importance of mentorship, the power of familial bonds, and the cultural roots that have shaped him as an artist.

The Genesis of the Collaboration

The story of this collaboration began when Bruno Mars recognized the musical potential of Nyjah Music and Zyah Rhythm. Having grown up immersed in the vibrant musical environment of Hawaii, where both Bruno Mars and his family spent formative years, the nephews were naturally drawn to performance. Bruno Mars, ever the perfectionist, saw an opportunity to guide them professionally while honoring their family heritage. He envisioned a project that would not only showcase their talent but also connect with audiences across generations.

Choosing “Burning Love”, one of Elvis Presley’s most celebrated hits, was a deliberate decision. The song’s timeless energy, playful rhythm, and broad appeal made it a perfect canvas for a modern, youthful reinterpretation. Under Bruno Mars’ mentorship, the nephews learned to blend their youthful voices with the rich history embedded in the song, producing a version that maintains the classic charm while introducing new vibrancy.

| BRUNO MARS: “Working with my nephews was magical. It’s about passing the torch and showing them what creativity and music can do.”

Family, Mentorship, and Cultural Legacy

This collaboration is as much about family and mentorship as it is about music. Bruno Mars has long emphasized that his roots in Hawaii have profoundly influenced his approach to art, blending multicultural elements with heartfelt storytelling. By guiding Nyjah and Zyah, he not only nurtures their raw talent but also instills in them a sense of discipline, respect for musical history, and an understanding of performance dynamics on a global stage.

The project bridges the gap between family intimacy and professional artistry. Bruno Mars personally supervised vocal arrangements, stage presence, and studio performance, ensuring that every nuance of the song carried emotional authenticity. Beyond technical guidance, he shared insights about songwriting, rhythm, and interpretation, offering his nephews a comprehensive education in the music industry that few young artists have access to.

| BRUNO MARS: “Hawaii is part of who we are. I wanted my nephews to feel that connection and bring a bit of our culture to this song.”

By embedding Hawaiian cultural nuances in the production, the collaboration also serves as a testament to Bruno Mars’ pride in his heritage, bringing a piece of his roots to a global audience through the Lilo & Stitch franchise.

The Lilo & Stitch Soundtrack: Bridging Generations

The live-action Lilo & Stitch soundtrack is a vibrant compilation of 29 tracks, featuring contributions from artists such as Iam Tongi and the Kamehameha Schools Children’s Chorus. This eclectic mix aims to appeal to both nostalgic fans of the original film and new generations of viewers. The rendition of “Burning Love” by Nyjah Music and Zyah Rhythm stands out not only for its musicality but also for its emotional resonance.

Through this project, Bruno Mars positions himself as an artist capable of balancing mainstream appeal with intimate, family-driven projects. By introducing his nephews to such a high-profile platform, he provides them with an invaluable opportunity to showcase their talent, while simultaneously adding a unique dimension to a beloved cinematic franchise. This collaboration highlights the singer’s versatility, illustrating that even in his established career, he continues to innovate and explore new avenues of creativity.

| BRUNO MARS: “I wanted the soundtrack to feel like a family project. Every note should resonate with the joy of sharing music across generations.”

The success of this track may influence how Bruno Mars approaches future projects, possibly inspiring more family-friendly or children-oriented music without necessitating a full genre shift.

Limited Edition Vinyl: A Collector’s Dream

To commemorate the project, a 10-inch limited edition picture disc featuring the new “Burning Love” is being released. This tangible artifact is designed for collectors and fans who cherish physical music formats. The release merges nostalgia with contemporary reinterpretation, providing a unique opportunity for fans to own a piece of music history that bridges generations.

| BRUNO MARS: “We wanted something tangible for fans—a keepsake they can hold, just like family memories.”

The choice to issue a limited edition vinyl demonstrates Bruno Mars’ keen understanding of fan culture, particularly the appeal of rare, collectible items that hold emotional significance beyond digital streaming.

Artistic Vision: More Than Music

For Bruno Mars, the project is an expression of artistry that transcends commercial motivations. He emphasizes mentorship, cultural heritage, and the importance of family in shaping the next generation of performers. By collaborating with Nyjah Music and Zyah Rhythm, he offers a living example of how familial support can cultivate artistic talent while preserving cultural identity.

The project also serves as inspiration for other young artists who may lack access to mentorship or industry connections. Through Bruno Mars’ guidance, the nephews experience a professional environment that educates them on vocal technique, performance etiquette, and studio professionalism—all while maintaining the warmth and intimacy of a family setting.

Exploring the Question: Kids’ Music or Family Collaboration?

The collaboration naturally leads to speculation about whether Bruno Mars is venturing into kids’ music. While the project is family-centered, there is no indication that he plans to permanently shift genres. Instead, it appears to be a mentorship-driven initiative that incidentally appeals to younger audiences.

| BRUNO MARS: “I love music for all ages, but my focus here was my nephews and sharing our family story. Anything else would be a bonus.”

Despite this, the project may open doors for future family-oriented or children-friendly collaborations, positioning Bruno Mars as an artist who can engage audiences across all age groups while staying true to his artistic vision.

Emotional and Cultural Impact

One of the most compelling aspects of this collaboration is its emotional resonance. By incorporating Hawaiian influences and a family-driven narrative, the track connects with listeners on a deeply personal level. Fans respond not only to the musical quality but also to the story behind the recording. The project demonstrates how music can serve as a medium for cultural preservation, emotional expression, and intergenerational connection.

Audiences are drawn to the authenticity of Bruno Mars’ mentorship, which is evident in the confident and expressive performances of Nyjah Music and Zyah Rhythm. The track thus becomes both a musical highlight and a cultural touchstone, linking family history with contemporary artistry.

Fan Engagement and Social Media Strategy

Bruno Mars leveraged social media to maximize fan engagement, sharing behind-the-scenes content, rehearsal snippets, and insights into the creative process. By documenting the collaboration with Nyjah and Zyah, he provides fans with an intimate view of his family dynamics and mentorship style.

These posts not only promote the soundtrack but also reinforce Bruno Mars’ personal brand as a family-oriented artist who values culture, mentorship, and authenticity. The social media strategy complements traditional promotional channels, creating a holistic and relatable narrative that resonates with fans globally.

Collectible Value and Marketing Appeal

The 10-inch picture disc serves as a tangible representation of this unique collaboration. It appeals to collectors who value physical media, while also functioning as a marketing tool that draws attention to the project. The vinyl connects audiences to both the historical significance of Elvis Presley’s original and the fresh interpretation provided by Nyjah Music and Zyah Rhythm.

By offering a limited edition collectible, Bruno Mars capitalizes on the emotional and nostalgic value of music, blending tradition with modernity in a way that enhances fan engagement and media coverage.

Broader Implications for the Music Industry

The collaboration sets an example for how mainstream artists can successfully integrate family and mentorship into professional projects. It illustrates that personal relationships and professional artistry can coexist, offering lessons in legacy-building, talent development, and cross-generational engagement.

Music analysts suggest that Bruno Mars’ approach strengthens his long-term brand by demonstrating that commercial success can align with personal authenticity and cultural storytelling. His willingness to nurture the next generation of performers reflects a broader understanding of the music industry as a collaborative, multigenerational space.

Conclusion: Family, Culture, and Musical Legacy

The collaboration between Bruno Mars, Nyjah Music, and Zyah Rhythm exemplifies how music can bridge generations, connect cultures, and celebrate family. While speculation about a move into kids’ music persists, it is clear that the project’s primary motivation is mentorship and legacy.

Through the live-action Lilo & Stitch soundtrack, Bruno Mars offers a musical experience that is simultaneously nostalgic, contemporary, and deeply personal. Fans witness not just a song, but a story of heritage, mentorship, and artistic evolution, proving that even a superstar can find ways to prioritize family and culture while continuing to innovate musically.

| BRUNO MARS: “Seeing my nephews perform and grow reminds me why music is magical. It’s about family, culture, and sharing love through song.”

By combining family, mentorship, and cultural identity, this project cements Bruno Mars’ reputation as an artist who transcends commercial success to deliver authentic, meaningful, and innovative music experiences.