After months of anticipation, Iwájú, the first-ever African animation series premieres on Disney+ today.

The six-episode show follows the adventures of Tola and best friend Kole. It takes place in futuristic Lagos that has adopted technological advancements while retaining a solid sense of Nigerian identity.

In a pioneering move that may underscore a shift in Disney’s content strategy, the limited series is the brainchild of Kugali Studios and Disney Animation. The Afrofuturist series, co-created by the Pan-African British-based entertainment company Kugali Media, explores futuristic themes in a vibrant Lagos setting, introducing audiences to a unique narrative that challenges the status quo.

The storyline revolves around Tola, a young girl from Lagos sland, and her best friend Kole, a self-taught tech expert. The coming-of-age series promises to delve into themes of class, innocence, and challenging societal norms. With a notable cast featuring Simisola Gbadamosi, Dayo Okeniyi, Femi Branch, Siji Soetan, and Weruche Opia, the show boasts a lineup of talented Nigerian voices to bring its characters to life.

Directed by Olufikayo Ziki Adeola, with a screenplay by Adeola and Halima Hudson, Iwájú showcases the collaboration of Kugali filmmakers, including production designer Hamid Ibrahim and cultural consultant Toluwalakin Olowofoyeku. Disney Animation’s Christina Chen takes on the role of producer.

Unlike Disney Animation’s past, Disney+ shows tied to preexisting properties and shows made to be ‘contemporary relevant, Iwájú marks a significant departure and is a new creation in an African context.

Iwájú Showcases Desire To Diversify Content

Inspired by a Yoruba word meaning “future,” the series is not structured in a feature-film format but is built for streaming. This ambitious release plan reflects Disney’s confidence in the show’s ability to resonate with viewers. Turning Iwájú into a long-form animated series also highlights Disney’s commitment to original content on its streaming platform.

The decision to produce a wholly original animated series for Disney+ showcases the company’s desire to innovate and diversify its content offerings. By partnering with Kugali Media and centering on Black and African storytellers and artists, Disney aims to make a lasting impact on the animation industry asIwájú not only explores themes of class clashes and challenging the status quo but also represents a significant step towards inclusivity and representation in the world of animation.

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Addressing the absence of Disney+ in Nigeria, Okeniyi acknowledges the challenge but points to the vast diaspora of Nigerians worldwide. While Disney+ may not be accessible in Nigeria, the series is a story for Nigerians, told by Nigerians, and recorded mostly in Nigeria. The global campaign of Disney+ aligns with the diaspora audience, making Iwájú a cultural export with a potential impact beyond borders.

As Disney continues to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of streaming platforms, Iwájú stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to original storytelling and its confidence in the ability of diverse narratives to captivate audiences worldwide. The Afrofuturist series is set to make its mark when it debuts on Disney+, promising a fresh and innovative approach to animated storytelling.