Lion Forge Entertainment announced on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, that “Iyanu,” Roye Okupe’s epic Nigerian superhero animated series, is set to launch in 2025 in both the United States and across Africa. The series will be available on Showmax in 44 African countries, while U.S. viewers can watch it on Cartoon Network and Max.
“Iyanu” follows the story of an orphan who must uncover the mystery behind her newfound power to save her people from an ancient curse. Set in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland, the series is adapted from Okupe’s popular graphic novel series, “Iyanu: Child of Wonder,” published by Dark Horse Comics, known for titles like “The Umbrella Academy” and “Hellboy.”
The series features an all-African voice cast led by award-winner Serah Johnson as Iyanu, alongside Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Stella Damasus, Blossom Chukwujekwu, and Shaffy Bello. It is produced by Lion Forge Entertainment, the Emmy-winning company behind the Oscar-winning short film “Hair Love.”
David Steward II, founder and CEO of Lion Forge Entertainment, highlighted the importance of the series: “Iyanu is a series that plays to young audiences everywhere in the world, but its heart and roots are in Africa, where it was conceptualized and created by Roye. We envision African children being inspired by Iyanu and a superhero world shaped around their own.”
Dr. Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice, expressed excitement about the growing recognition of African animation: “It’s a pivotal moment for African storytelling not only because we are telling our stories, but that African audiences will be among the first to see these stories come to life. Animation is fast becoming a popular genre for our audiences as it cuts across age divides and is enjoyed by the whole family.”
This announcement marks a significant step for African animation, showcasing its potential to captivate audiences both locally and internationally.