Walt Disney Animation Studios’ first-of-its-kind collaboration with Pan-African entertainment company Kugali is ready to take to screens, as the all-new six-part event series Iwájú sets its streaming premiere exclusively on Disney+ on February 28 in the U.S. (Release timing and distribution platform information for select regions, including Nigeria, to be announced soon.)
Synopsis: Iwájú is an original animated series set in a 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.
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.
The series is produced by Disney Animation’s Christina Chen with a screenplay by Adeola and Halima Hudson. Iwájú features the voices of Simisola Gbadamosi, Dayo Okeniyi, Femi Branch, Siji Soetan and Weruche Opia.
“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,” said Adeola. “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.”
Also debuting Feb. 28 on Disney+ is Iwájú: A Day Ahead, a documentary special filmed across three continents that shares the story of the founders of Kugali, who made their dream a reality. Created by the ABC News Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios team behind 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.
