Rihanna to play first black lead in upcoming Dreamworks' animated film

Music superstar Rihanna has been tapped to voice the role of the first black lead character in an upcoming 3D animated film from movie studio Dreamworks, titled Home.

The Umbrella hitmaker will play Tip, a teenage tomboy who befriends and helps a group of aliens.

Based on author Adam Rex's 2007 children's book The True Meaning of Smekday, the comedy centres on an overly-confident alien race, called Boov, which takes over the earth, and attempts to efficiently reorganise the planet.

Rihanna joins The Big Bang Theory star Jim Parsons, Jennifer Lopez, and Steve Martin, who will also voice characters in the film.

She will also help curate an album featuring original songs for the soundtrack.

Home is set to hit cinemas in November (14).