Iwajù is finally showing its face! Disney has unveiled a trailer and release date for the series, which lands on Disney+ from April 3, 2024. The result of a unique collaboration between Walt Disney Animation Studios and Kugali, a pan-African entertainment company, this six-episode series promises an unprecedented immersion in a futuristic Lagos. At the heart of this adventure, Iwajù tells the story of Tola, a young girl from a good family, and Kole, her best friend and self-taught technological genius, who are about to discover the secrets and dangers of their respective worlds.
The series is the brainchild of the Kugali team, led by director Olufikayo Ziki Adeola, set designer Hamid Ibrahim, and cultural consultant Toluwalakin Olowofoyeku. Their vision brought to life a Lagos where futurism blends with stunning technological advances, all under the guidance of Walt Disney Animation Studios producer Christina Chen, on a script co-written by Olufikayo Ziki Adeola and Halima Hudson.
Olufikayo Ziki Adeola, at the helm of this ambitious project, shares his enthusiasm:"The writing of Iwájú is a creative alchemy that draws on the cultural richness of Lagos and futuristic visions". This synergy between Kugali 's co-founders and Disney's visionary artists has created a unique narrative experience, where the rhythm of Lagos permeates every scene, offering viewers an unparalleled experience blending tradition and futurism.
In parallel, April 3 also sees the release ofIwájú: A New Day, a documentary retracing the journey of the founders of Kugali and their collaboration with Disney to make their dream a reality. Directed by Megan Harding and produced by Amy Astley and Beth Hoppe, this documentary is an in-depth exploration of the birth of a major animated series.
Iwajù's music, composed by the talented Ré Olunuga, will be available from March 1. Olunuga, expressing his artistic approach, underlines the particularity of his approach for Iwajù:"Inhabiting the emotions of the characters and translating them into music has been an extraordinary adventure, enriched by my love for Lagos". The soundtrack is a vibrant tribute to the city of Lagos, with nods to Nollywood music, enrichingIwajù 's universe with a deep emotional and cultural dimension.
Our review of the Iwajù series on Disney+ :
What can we make ofIwajù, the latest animated series created by pan-African studio Kugali and distributed by Disney? That it's a little gem on many levels. Starting with the graphics, very beautiful, combining animation and explosive colors, very much in the spirit of the times. It's clean and in line with the standards that Disney offers on its SVOD platform.
As for the story, note that it's inspired by real events, since Olufikayo Ziki Adeola, co-creator of the studio, escaped an attempted kidnapping when he was younger, just like Tola. And that's what the series is all about: denouncing the trivialization of child kidnapping for ransom in Nigeria, which has been on the increase for years. Another point denounced here is the ever-increasing social inequalities between rich and poor. All this is sprinkled with futuristic new technologies ("Iwajù" means "future" in the Yoruba language), giving the show a touch of Black Panther.
As for the episodes, which are fairly short, they enable everyone to stay focused on the plot, ideal for children (for whom the series is obviously intended, but adults will also find something to enjoy...). In short, Iwajù is a lovely little animated gem to be enjoyed by all, and one that dares to be different in both form and content. To be enjoyed without moderation.
See you on Disney+, folks!
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