Disney/Kugali's Pan-African Animation Iwájú: Streams This February
One of the best things about the streaming era is how it has brought us more animation from around the world. It has also brought us collaborations between streamers and creatives from other countries. Disney+ is following up the pan-African anthology Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire with a second African co-production. Produced in collaboration between Disney and Pan-African entertainment company Kugali is the six-part series Iwájú streaming from February 28.
Iwájú is an original animated series set in a futuristic version of Lagos, Nigeria. The series follows Tola, a young girl from the wealthy island, and her best friend Kole, a self-taught tech expert, as they discover the hidden secrets and dangers hidden in their different worlds.
Creatives from Kugali including director Olufikayo Ziki Adeola, production designer Hamid Ibrahim and cultural consultant Toluwalakin Olowofoyeku take audiences on a unique journey into the world of Iwájú. The world is overflowing with unique visual elements and technological advancements inspired by the spirit of Lagos. The series is produced by Disney Animation's Christina Chen and features a screenplay by Adeola and Halima Hudson. Iwájú features the voices of Simisola Gbadamosi, Dayo Okeniyi, Femi Branch, Siji Soetan and Weruche Opia.
Director Adeola said "Crafting the narrative of ‘Iwájú’ has been a journey of creative alchemy, blending the rich cultural tapestry of Lagos with imaginative leaps into the future. Collaborating with my Kugali co-founders and the visionary artists at Walt Disney Animation Studios has been nothing short of magical. The heartbeat of my hometown resonates through every scene, and I am thrilled for the world to experience this unique fusion of tradition and futurism."
Also debuting on February 28 on Disney+ is Iwájú: A Day Ahead, a documentary filmed across three continents. It tells the story of the founders of Pan-African Entertainment company Kugali, and how they made their dream a reality, producing an animated series in collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios. The documentary is produced by ABC News Studios and the Walt Disney Animation Studios team that brought you Into the Unknown: Making Frozen 2. The special proves anything is possible when talent meets opportunity. Iwájú: A Day Ahead is directed by Megan Harding and executive produced by Amy Astley and Beth Hoppe.
Disney has released new images from the series.
