In a press release, Disney+ has announced new information about its new series Iwájú. The six part series, which will air on February 28, 2024, is a landmark collaborative project between Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pan-African entertainment company Kugali.
Iwájú takes place in the futuristic Lagos, Nigeria. “The exciting coming-of-age story follows Tola, a young girl from the wealthy island, and her best friend, Kole, a self-taught tech expert, as they discover the secrets and dangers hidden in their different worlds,” said the Disney press release.
The original animated series is a collaboration between Walt Disney Animation Studios and the Pan-African entertainment company Kugali. Kugali is an African-owned and operated storytelling collective founded in 2017 by Tolu Olowofoyeku, Olufikayo Adeola, and Hamid Ibrahim. The organization’s purpose is to tell African stories and has been successful with many award-winning graphic novels and now with Iwájú.
The creative team behind this includes screenwriter Halima Hudson (Big Hero 6, A Wrinkle in Time, Frozen II), Hamid Ibrahim (The Predator, The Lion King, Dolittle) as production designer, cultural consultant Toluwalakin Olowofoyeku, and Adeola as director, executive producer, and screenwriter.
When discussing the project, 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 voice cast includes Dayo Okeniyi (Emperor, Rise, Run Sweetheart Run), Siji Soetan, Femi Branch (The Escort, Ajoche, Fatal Deception), Weruche Opia (High Desert, …When Love Happens, I May Destroy You), and Simisola Gbadamosi.
In addition to the series’ debut on February 28, Iwájú: A Day Ahead will also be available on the Disney+. Iwájú: A Day Ahead will tell the story of Kugali founding and the production of the Iwájú.