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Disney’s latest animated series, Iwájú, introduces young Tola, an endearing Nigerian heiress whose insatiable curiosity propels her on a thrilling adventure across a futuristic Lagos. At first glance, Iwájú appears standard Disney fare, complete with vibrant animation, timeless good-versus-evil motifs, and even an adorable animal sidekick. What sets the series apart is the unprecedented collaboration between Walt Disney Animation Studios and fledgling Pan-African entertainment company Kugali Media. Making the limited series even more remarkable, it would never have come about if Kugali hadn’t trash-talked the media giant on international television.
Iwájú is the first time Disney collaborated with African storytellers to create a series set in Africa.
“It blew up across the world. And also caught Disney’s attention,” Adeola says. “It was somewhat surreal.” Ibrahim chimes in, “I thought they were coming for us when we saw a LinkedIn request from a creative executive at Disney.”
The executive was Elsa Bocuzzi, Senior Creative Executive on the Disney Animation Development team. She was sent Kugali’s way after Jennifer Lee, chief creative officer at Walt Disney Animation Studios and acclaimed director of smash hits like Frozen, saw the interview. Following successes like Moana and Lilo and Stitch — both films spotlighting leads of color — the studio seemed primed for fresh cultural perspectives. And with the Pan-African sci-fi animated anthology series Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire greenlit, Disney appeared receptive to a concept centered on a young African girl.
Iwájú’s commentary on the economic disparities in Lagos is surprisingly candid.
True to life, Lagos Island is an affluent area connected to the bustling mainland, which is home to a large blue-collar workforce. The team was inspired by Lagos’ real-world geography in this futuristic fantasy story. “Even in our first look image, you see two characters standing apart,” Olowofoyeku says, “and you see Lagos’ three bridges between them.”
Visual metaphors reinforce Iwájú’s theme of inequality. As Ibrahim describes, “I wanted to add another dimension to the juxtaposition. That’s why, in the city, the people who live closer to the ground are not as well off as people who can afford things like flying cars, who live high up.”
In the animated film “Iwájú,” a lizard stands on a high-tech computer desk. The title loosely translated from Yoruba means “the future” and blends sci-fi elements with authentic Nigerian daily life. The hustle and bustle of Lagos inspired one of Tola’s first encounters with aerial merchant drones as she navigates the city.
Future-casting in present-day Nigeria also includes Otin, an agama lizard, chosen as Tola’s robot pet. The agama lizard is a common sight in Nigeria, evoking nostalgia for Olowfoyeku, who grew up surrounded by them.
Collaborating on the original story were the three Kugali founders, with Adeola directing and screenwriting the series. The production designer, Ibrahim, and cultural consultant, Olowofoyeku, also played key roles. Artists from Africa and Europe, including Disney veterans, came together to bring the vibrant series to life. The collaboration with Disney proved invaluable, with Disney VFX supervisor Marlon West being a dream collaborator for Kugali.
Working on “Iwájú” with Disney was a surreal experience for Ibrahim, who grew up inspired by Disney films. The collaboration between Disney, Cinesite, and Kugali posed challenges due to cultural, language, and time zone differences. The pandemic also presented unexpected obstacles, but Kugali’s experience with remote work proved beneficial.
Ultimately, “Iwájú” is a coming-of-age adventure and a love letter to Lagos. The series represents a fusion of tradition and futurism, showcasing African talent to the animation world. Now streaming on Disney+, “Iwájú” offers a unique viewing experience for audiences worldwide.
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The Walt Disney Company, commonly known as Disney, is a multinational entertainment and media conglomerate known for its iconic movies, TV shows, theme parks, and more. Disney has been a household name for generations, creating beloved characters and stories that have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. With the launch of Disney+, the company entered the streaming wars, offering a vast library of content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic.
