The six-part series and the newly introduced behind-the-scenes documentary, Iwájú: A Day Ahead, will begin airing on February 28, 2024, on Disney+.
By Hope Ibiale
Walt Disney Animation Studios in association with African entertainment company, Kugali, has announced the release date of the anticipated series Iwájú. The six-part series and the newly introduced behind-the-scenes documentary, Iwájú: A Day Ahead, will begin airing on February 28, 2024, on Disney+. The series will debut in the US on February 28, 2024, but the release date and distribution platforms for regions like Nigeria will be announced soon.
Iwájú is an animated series set in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria. The anticipated series tells the story of Tola, a young wealthy girl, and her friend, Kole, a tech expert. Together they uncover dark secrets hidden within their city. The series features the voices of Simisola Gbadamosi, Dayo Okeniyi, Femi Branch, Siji Soetan, and Weruche Opia. With Iwájú, Kugali filmmakers — including director Olufikayo Ziki Adeola, production designer Hamid Ibrahim, and cultural consultant Toluwalakin Olowofoyeku — will introduce viewers to a world filled with technology and adventure inspired by Lagos State.
Iwájú will explore class, innocence, and inequality.
The series is produced by Christina Chen, with a screenplay by Olufikayo Ziki Adeola and Halima Hudson. Iwájú will join other African animations like South Africa’s Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire and Zambia’s Supa Team 4 to debut on global platforms.
While speaking on the series, 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.”
The documentary, Iwájú: A Day Ahead, was filmed across three continents. It will explore the story of the founders of Kugali. Created by the ABC News Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios team, Iwájú: A Day Ahead was directed by Megan Harding and executive produced by Amy Astley and Beth Hoppe.
Founded in 2017 by Tolu Olowofoyeku, Olufikayo Adeola and Hamid Ibrahim, Kugali Media is on a mission to bring African stories to the global stage.