Disney Animation Studios and Pan-African Comic Book Entertainment Company Kugali’s new animated series, “Iwájú,” is set to premiere on Disney+ on February 28, featuring a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria, as its backdrop. The coming-of-age series follows Tola, voiced by Simisola Gbadamosi, hailing from the affluent island, and her best friend Kole, voiced by Siji Soetan, a self-taught tech expert. Together, they unravel the secrets and dangers hidden in their contrasting worlds.
The visual and technological elements of “Iwájú” are inspired by the vibrant spirit of Lagos, a unique journey guided by Kugali filmmakers, including director Olufikayo Ziki Adeola, production designer Hamid Ibrahim, and cultural consultant Toluwalakin Olowofoyeku. The series, produced by Disney Animation’s Christina Chen with a screenplay by Adeola and Halima Hudson, also features voices from Dayo Okeniyi, Femi Branch, and Weruche Opia.
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The authentic African-influenced music for “Iwájú” is composed by Ré Olunuga, a renowned Nigerian composer with credits for the Disney+ original movie “Rise” and the BBC film “Girl.” Olunuga expressed his deep connection to Lagos, infusing the score with emotions and nods to Nollywood’s film music lexicon.
Accompanying the series is the release of “Disney Iwájú: Rising Chef,” a game developed by Maliyo Games in collaboration with Disney and Kugali. Available on iOS and Android starting February 28, the game invites players to explore authentic African delicacies in a fast-paced and culturally rich cooking experience.
“Iwájú” marks another milestone for Kugali, an African-owned storytelling collective that has garnered recognition from major entertainment companies, including Disney and the BBC. Founded in 2017 by Tolu Olowofoyeku, Olufikayo Adeola, and Hamid Ibrahim, Kugali aims to bring African stories to a global audience.
As the debut date approaches, excitement is building for this groundbreaking series that not only showcases African storytelling but also highlights the rich cultural tapestry of Nigeria through animation. Stay tuned for the premiere on Disney+ and the immersive gaming experience with “Disney Iwájú: Rising Chef” on February 28.