Iwájú, Nigeria's first major animation series

Iwájú" is an original animated series set in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria. The captivating coming-of-age tale tracks Tola, a girl from the wealthy island, and her friend Kole, a self-taught tech expert, as they navigate the secrets and perils of their disparate worlds. With the Official Trailer garnering 1.8M views on YouTube in just 6 days, this promises to be a must-watch for fans of animation and Disney. Scheduled for release on Feb 28, 2024, here's why I'm excited about it and at the same time worried.

Disney's venture into anime series is a significant step towards global storytelling diversity, offering Africa and Nigeria a chance for representation and international exposure. However, it's crucial to ensure it's not exploitative. Let's anticipate its impact beyond anime, potentially opening doors for games and more. Bookmark this for updates.

While we are celebrating this opportunity for Nigerians I hope we all have this in mind:

Pros.

1. Diverse Representation.

2. Global Exposure

3. Cultural Exchange

4. Opportunities for Local Talent

5. Economic Growth

Cons:

1. Risk of Cultural Appropriation

2. Potential Westernization

3. Limited Creative Control

4. Competition for Local Productions

5. Dependency on Foreign Investment

It's something we should all be sure we don't fall under the cons while enjoying the pros.

Watching Hamid Ibrahim, Olufikayo Ziki Adeola, and Tolu Olowofoyeku discussing this series as far back as 2022 shows the extensive groundwork that has been done. From the snippets I watched on YouTube, Femi Branch's voice stood out as perfect for the role. Disney's investment in PR is evident through my research. I hope this series will pave the way for more African representation in anime, especially in Nigeria, where we're leading in unexpected areas. It's Africa's time—from music to anime, movies, and sports. Let's seize this moment to create a better future for the generations to come. Don't forget to bookmark this “Iwaju” Feb 28.