ZupaNova + Young Retro Collaborate on Movie Theme Song “Holiday”

International music duo, ZupaNova has teamed up with Los Angeles-based “Hip-Pop” artist, Young Retro on the track, “Holiday”, which serves as the theme song of the upcoming film, A Heart Full of Hope. “Holiday” is available now on all streaming platforms. Not only can ZupaNova and Young Retro can be seen performing the song in the movie, but they also have parts in the movie, which is set to premiere this November at the Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills. Check out our Q&A with Young Retro & SupaNova’s Roycel!

Tell us about your new song “Holiday” and the inspiration behind it!

Young Retro: The inspiration came from reading the movie script and actually wanting to see my character come to life. Once I heard the hook and the beat, I was locked in. I had one day to prepare and present everything to producers. I stayed up all night, wrote 3 different verses, and picked the best one I was happy with.

Roycel: It’s a feel-good song, a holiday anthem to appreciate every day like a holiday and live life to the fullest! Being a part of A Heart Full of Hope was the inspiration to introduce the song. It made me think of the storyline and people living with kidney disease and the resilience it takes to have the attitude of ‘We gonna live to see another day.’ I wanted this song to be the people’s anthem, either for a holiday or for inspiration to keep going.

What was it like being part of the film A Heart Full of Hope?

Young Retro: It was an amazing experience. One of the best of my life. I want to give a major shout-out to the Mendez Foundation for believing in me to bring the character to life. It feels good to be able to push such a great cause. Furthermore, I wanted to be over-prepared then under prepared so I read my script anytime I had a free moment. If I were cooking, waiting on someone, any downtime, I would have that script out and in my face. I didn’t want to be known as that actor who didn’t know his lines. I think my best day on set is when I wore my all-blue outfit and everyone started cracking jokes about it. I didn’t even know they could come up with that many jokes on one outfit. I see how the internet be, hahaha.

Roycel: It was surreal, to be honest, also a little nerve-racking because it was my first time landing an acting role. I was fortunate and for the past 7 months I’ve been taking acting classes with Suzanne Delaurentiis. I was just an extra in her movie The Christmas Chain in 2024. So, by the time I got to the set of A Heart Full of Hope in 2025, working with her production crew, you’re not just a part of the film, you’re a part of a family. That’s what it’s like and I loved that about the whole first-time experience.

Any other collaboration plans between ZupaNova + Young Retro?

Young Retro: Who knows what the world has in store. There may be something on the way. Just stay tuned and stay following me on Instagram @superstaryoungretro

Roycel: Yes, of course! We have events, tours, and a collaboration EP as well as other film projects we’d like to produce. When it comes to ZupaNova and Young Retro, it’s only the beginning!

Who are some of your musical influences?

Young Retro: Tupac, Nas, Biggie, Kanye West, OutKast, West Side Connection, Lil Wayne, Big Pun.

Roycel: I love all music. Some of my musical influences are Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, A Tribe Called Quest, and Pharrell. But I honestly grew up with my musical influences, getting to write, produce, and perform with the Black Eyed Peas, and being a part of their journey of becoming global sensations, to Grammy winners, and Super Bowl performers. will.i.am took me under his wing and brought me into his GrassRoots Circle. I used to only sing, and he inspired me to also rap. All of those studio sessions were inspired by West Coast, East Coast Hip-Hop, Jazz, Latin, Soul, and Electronic music. We had a diverse group of talented individuals around. Every time they toured regions around the world, their music would evolve from the influence of that region when they came back. I learned a lot. Being a part of all of that influenced me and what I do creatively with ZupaNova now.

What other projects do you have coming up? More music? Touring, etc?

Young Retro: I just wrapped up my 3rd film titled Love, Hate, Hunt, Kill – my first thriller. I’m super excited to show the world. I am also on a school tour in Los Angeles going to different middle schools and high schools to promote my music to the next generation.

Roycel: We have a series of EPs we plan to release, an international compilation project with Grammy-nominated producer, Phazehop & E.L. Earl Entertainment (Usher, BurnaBoy). Also, a fashion line being developed by E.L. Earl Entertainment & Sally Torpey (voted top 100 most influential persons in Africa. A 2026 International ZupaTour & gaming experience and a possible “Holiday” theme tour. We also have a partnership with award-winning gaming company, Raxplay, to develop and launch our own standalone games. We also have upcoming projects with our 501c3, ZupaLove International.

As a tradition in StarShine Magazine, we end every interview with a message to your fans and future fans. What would you like to say to them?

Young Retro: The world is yours!!!!

Roycel: I would like to say that building a sense of confidence in whatever you choose to do in life is important in staying consistent. Surround yourself with a team or support group that lifts and inspires you. It’s not an easy or smooth ride to progress and achieve success. Just remember during the challenging time that heat and pressure create diamonds, and we’re all diamonds in the making. Don’t give up on yourself because the world is counting on your love.

This article was published in our July 2025 issue.

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