Everything You Need to Know About Disney's Iwájú

Everything You Need to Know about Disney’s Iwájú

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re breaking down all the need-to-know facts for Disney’s new animated miniseries “Iwájú”

Introducing Disney’s groundbreaking new six-episode miniseries, “Iwájú,” set to premiere on Disney+ on February 28th, 2024. This highly anticipated release is a pretty big deal for the entertainment giant as it’s filled with numerous firsts. Set in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria, “Iwájú” promises to captivate audiences with its unique blend of Afrofuturism, rich storytelling, and cutting-edge animation. If you’ve heard the name but don’t know much about it, stay tuned because we’re going to tell you everything you need to know. If you can’t wait to watch the series, there is a trailer to enjoy until the 28th finally gets here.

“Iwájú” is said to be a Yoruba (a West African language) word, loosely translating as “the future” (or “front-facing” if you want to be more accurate). This seamlessly ties into the miniseries’ storyline, which, as we said, is set in Lagos, often considered “the culture capital of Nigeria,” but in a time beyond our own— although it won’t be totally unrecognizable to a contemporary audience. It also marks the studio’s first original animated series, meaning that, unlike many previous series, it's not a spin-off of any well-established title.

We embark on an exhilarating journey with Tola, a young, well-off islander, and her bestie, Kole, a tech whiz with a knack for innovation who lives on the more impoverished mainland. This subject matter naturally lends itself to exploring significant themes concerning social dynamics in traditional African communities.

Indeed, the creators drew insight from the stark disparities between the affluent islanders of Lagos and the economically disadvantaged mainlanders. This backdrop sets the stage for an exploration of “deep themes of class, innocence, and challenging the status quo.”

“Iwájú” is significant for Disney because it’s their first animated series made in partnership with African storytellers, offering a fresh viewpoint on storytelling and culture— but before we get into that, let’s take a look at the voices behind the principal cast.

Meet the talented cast of “Iwájú,” featuring Nigerian actors or those with Nigerian heritage. We look forward to getting acquainted with Simisola Gbadamosi, who takes the lead as Tola, and Siji Soetan, who stars as Kole. Meanwhile, you might recognize Dayo Okeniyi from his role as Thresh in “The Hunger Games.” Also on board is Femi Branch, a director, producer, and acclaimed actor nominated for a Best of Nollywood award. Keep your ears open for Weruche Opia, a BAFTA-nominated actress known for her work in hit British shows like “Bad Education,” “Black Mirror,” and “I May Destroy You.”

This cast is part of a historic partnership, and it’s a pretty big deal. This is the first time Disney has teamed up with an outside group like Kugali Media, an innovative African entertainment collective. Codeveloped by Tolu Olowofoyeku, Olufikayo Adeola, and Hamid Ibrahim in 2017, Kugali tells amazing African stories that captivate people all over the world. They’ve been getting recognition from big names like Disney and the BBC for their groundbreaking work. Plus, they’re paving the way for a new generation of African storytellers to shine in the world of graphic novels. It’s a major shift in the storytelling landscape, and it’s pretty exciting!

How did this landmark collaboration come about? Well, it’s actually a pretty great story! Back in 2019, during an interview with the BBC, Ibrahim dropped this wild comment about the big shots in animation. Guess who heard about it? Yep, Jennifer Lee, the big boss at Disney Animation Studios. But instead of getting into some big showdown, she was intrigued by the team’s ethos and suggested a collaboration. At the Annecy Festival in 2021, she talked about how “There’s so much more we can do in storytelling if we diversify our storytellers” and made it clear that it’s on companies like Disney to make sure those voices get heard.

Joining that effort are screenwriters Adeola and Halima Hudson, with Disney Animation’s Christina Chen taking on the role of producer and Ziki Nelson stepping up as director. In addition to Disney and Kugali Media, London-based Cinesite is also jumping on board to lend a hand with production. It’s a whole global team effort to bring us something fresh and exciting.

Ever checked out Kugali’s work? It’s got this distinct style, totally different from the usual Disney animations. So, does that mean we’ll get a Disney-fied version of Kugali’s aesthetic? Not exactly. The animation will mostly stick to Kugali’s signature style but with a sprinkle of Disney pixie dust added to the mix. Leading this fusion is Marlon West, a top-notch Disney animator who’s worked on classics from Disney’s Renaissance era to modern titles like “The Princess and the Frog,” both “Frozen” movies, “Moana,” and “Encanto.” “Iwájú” draws inspiration from both Eastern and Western animation, along with African styles, so you know it’s going be something exceptional.

The filmmakers gave audiences a sneak peek at some concept art back in 2021 during the Annecy Animation Festival. Those lucky enough to attend the D23 event in 2022 were treated to even more updated images that were then publicly released.

And if you’re itching to know more about the folks behind this epic collaboration, make a second note on your calendars for February 28th, 2024. That’s when a behind-the-scenes documentary called “Iwájú: A Day Ahead” drops, giving you an exclusive peek into the creative process.

The miniseries will also feature a soundtrack by Nigerian composer Ré Olunuga, who also scored Disney’s “Rise.” Olunuga shared that while he usually draws a line between personal experience and the fictional worlds he scores, this time was different. He shared that he felt a strong connection to the characters and their stories and that the music is deeply influenced by his profound love for Lagos and its rich layers of culture.

Olunuga’s soundtrack will also introduce audiences to Nollywood’s music style, whereas those who are already acquainted with the genre will notice its familiar elements. Fans of the soundtrack will be able to play it on a loop when it’s released on March 1st.

As “Iwájú” sets its sights on the future, it's more than just a miniseries – it's a testament to the power of diverse storytelling. Disney's collaboration with Kugali marks a bold step towards embracing new voices and perspectives, reshaping the entertainment landscape. We're excited for this innovative leap and hope to see more like it in the future.

What are you most looking forward to about “Iwájú”? Let us know in the comments