“Iwaju”: Disney To Release Nigerian Themed Animated Series

Iwaju is an animated series set in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria. The title of the series, iwájú, roughly translates to “the future” in the Yoruba language (literally “front-facing”. The Yoruba are a West African ethnic group who inhabit Nigeria (where this show is set), Benin and Togo.

Written by Adeola and Halima Hudson, Toluwalakin Olowofoyeko, the narrative follows the tale of Tola, a young girl hailing from an island, and her close companion Kole, a self-taught tech expert. Their friendship is tested by Bode, a tech pioneer who hides a criminal underworld he runs with an iron fist.

Following the announced date for its release, Nigerian-American actors Dayo Okeniyi, Simisola Gbadamosi, veteran actor Femi Branch, Siji Soetan and British-Nigerian actress, Weruche Opia have been revealed as some of the voices behind the characters in the animation.