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Iyanu: A new dawn for African superheroes
In a world where superheroes often hail from the bustling streets of New York or the mythical realms of Asgard, a new hero is set to rise from the heart of Africa. Lion Forge Entertainment’s upcoming animated series, “Iyanu,” promises to bring a fresh and culturally rich narrative to the superhero genre. Based on Roye Okupe’s Nigerian graphic novel, “Iyanu: Child of Wonder,” this series is poised to captivate audiences worldwide when it debuts in 2025.
A magical journey in Yorubaland
Set in the enchanting kingdom of Yorubaland, “Iyanu” follows the journey of an orphaned girl who discovers her extraordinary powers. As she unravels the mystery behind her abilities, she must confront an ancient curse threatening her people. The series, adapted from Okupe’s graphic novel published by Dark Horse Comics, promises a blend of magic, adventure, and cultural heritage.
For a sneak peek, check out the trailer here: Iyanu Trailer.
A stellar all-African voice cast
Leading the voice cast is Serah Johnson as Iyanu, bringing depth and authenticity to the character. She is joined by notable talents such as Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Stella Damasus, Blossom Chukwujekwu, and Shaffy Bello. This all-African cast ensures that the series remains true to its roots, offering a genuine representation of African voices and stories.
Behind the scenes: A powerhouse of talent
The writers’ room for “Iyanu” is helmed by story editor Brandon Easton, known for his work on “Transformers: War for Cybertron,” with contributions from Emmy winner Kerri Grant of “Doc McStuffins” fame. This collaboration promises a well-crafted narrative that appeals to both young audiences and adults alike.
A global and local reach
“Iyanu” will be available on Showmax across 44 African countries, making it accessible to a vast audience on the continent. U.S. viewers can catch the series on Cartoon Network and Max, ensuring that the story of Iyanu reaches a global audience.
A vision realized
Roye Okupe, the creator of “Iyanu,” shares his excitement: “One of the reasons I started YouNeek Studios was because I literally grew up watching superhero stories on DStv in Lagos, Nigeria. So it would be an understatement to say that I’m delighted that Showmax will be introducing Nigerian children to ‘Iyanu,’ a superhero who looks and sounds like them.”
David Steward II, founder and CEO of Lion Forge Entertainment, echoes this sentiment: “’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. This is why we’re so proud to announce a deal with Showmax to stream ‘Iyanu’ in 44 countries throughout Africa. We envision African children being inspired by ‘Iyanu’ – and a superhero world shaped around their own.”
The importance of African storytelling
Nomsa Philiso, CEO of general entertainment at MultiChoice, which owns Showmax with Comcast’s NBCUniversal, emphasizes the significance of African stories being told by Africans: “As the largest producer of African content globally, MultiChoice is delighted that African stories are finally being told largely by Africans, but it’s also time for African audiences to be among the first to see African stories, as a common courtesy. Even today, an Oscar-winning film like ‘Nowhere in Africa’ is available to stream, well, nowhere in Africa. There are numerous examples like that but stories about Africa should be told not just with Africans, but to Africans too.”
A new era for African superheroes
“Iyanu” is more than just an animated series; it represents a new era for African superheroes and storytelling. By bringing African narratives to the forefront, it offers a platform for diverse voices and stories that have long been underrepresented in mainstream media. As we await its debut, “Iyanu” stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for young audiences, particularly those in Africa, who can finally see a superhero that looks and sounds like them.
The journey of Iyanu is just beginning, and it promises to be a magical and transformative adventure for viewers around the world.
