The six-episode animated series “Iwájú” is a first of its kind collaboration between Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pan-African Entertainment Company Kugali, and it will debut on Disney+ in the U.S. on Wednesday, February 28, 2024.
The Details
“Iwájú” is an original animated series set in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria, on the continent of Africa.
It was first announced by Disney Animation at D23 Expo 2022.
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. And of course, Tola has a cute animal sidekick.
Kugali filmmakers—including director Olufikayo Ziki Adeola, production designer Hamid Ibrahim and cultural consultant Toluwalakin Olowofoyeku—take viewers on a unique journey into the world of “Iwájú,” bursting with unique visual elements and technological advancements inspired by the spirit of Lagos.
Said Adeola, “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.”
Produced by Disney Animation’s Christina Chen with a screenplay by Adeola and Halima Hudson, “Iwájú” also features the voices of Dayo Okeniyi, Femi Branch and Weruche Opia.
All six episodes will be available to stream On Disney+ in the U.S. beginning February 28th, with other countries, including Nigeria, to follow.
The Trailer
Enjoy this first look at “Iwájú,” as we meet Tola, her new pet sidekick, and the people in her life in this colorful futuristic setting.
Behind-The-Scenes
Also debuting February 28th on Disney+ in the U.S. is “Iwájú: A Day Ahead,” a documentary special filmed across three continents that shares the story of the founders of the Pan-African entertainment company, Kugali, who made their dream a reality creating an original animation series with Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Created by the ABC News Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios team that brought you “Into the Unknown: Making Frozen 2,” the documentary shows anything is possible when talent meets opportunity.
“Iwájú: A Day Ahead” is directed by Megan Harding and executive produced by Amy Astley and Beth Hoppe.
The Soundtrack
The series’ authentic African-influenced music is by renowned Nigerian composer Ré Olunuga, whose credits include music for the 2022 Disney+ original movie “Rise,” and the BBC film “Girl.”
“I rarely bring my own emotions into writing a score,” he said. “I tend to inhabit the emotions of the characters or subjects and then translate them into music. In this case, it couldn’t be avoided. In addition to Tola’s adventurous spirit, Kole’s ingenuity and the many other fun and beautiful emotional threads explored in ‘Iwájú’ – the score is steeped in my own very deep love for Lagos and its multiplicitous layers. It also includes many treats and winks for anyone familiar with or curious about the film music lexicon of Nollywood. Being invited by Ziki and the amazing teams at Disney and Kugali to help tell this beautiful coming-of-age story that explores themes of family, friendship and ingenuity has been an amazing adventure in itself.”
The soundtrack will be available digitally on March 1,2024.
The Game
There will also be an all-new game inspired by the animated series, called “Disney Iwájú: Rising Chef.”
It will take players into the world of “Iwájú” and allow them to explore authentic African delicacies through this fast-paced and accessible cooking game that celebrates the culture and cuisine of Nigeria.
Developed by Maliyo Games in collaboration with Disney and Kugali, “Iwájú: Rising Chef” will allow players to advance their culinary skills, become the best chef in Lagos, and take over the fanciest restaurant in town.
“Iwájú: Rising Chef” will be available for iOS and Android on February 28, to coincide with the U.S. debut of the Disney+ series.
