First-of-its-kind Collaboration Between Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pan-African Entertainment Company Kugali; Original Animated Series Set In A Futuristic Lagos; Special Premiere, Repeat and Marathon Broadcasts To Air in April And May.
After the launch of Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pan-African Entertainment Company Kugali’s “Iwájú” on Disney+, the original animated series will debut on Disney Channel (DStv Channel 303) across Africa in April and May.
“Iwájú” will air every weekday from Monday, 22 – 26 April at 17:00(CAT) / 16:00(WAT) with a marathon on Saturday, 27 April starting from 14:00(CAT) / 13:00(WAT). Special repeat broadcasts are scheduled from Monday, 29 April – Saturday, 4 May with another marathon on Sunday, 5 May from 13:35 (CAT) / 12:35(WAT). On Africa Day, Saturday 25 May, audiences can enjoy a 6-episode marathon starting from 11:00 (CAT) / 10:00(WAT).
The premiere of this animated series provides a viewing opportunity for audiences in regions where Disney+ is not accessible. Set in a futuristic Lagos, “Iwájú” follows the coming-of-age story of Tola, a young girl from the wealthy island, and her best friend, Kole, a self-taught tech expert, as they unravel the secrets and dangers of their contrasting worlds.
“Iwájú” is a groundbreaking collaboration with Pan-African entertainment company, Kugali Media. It is written and directed by Olufikayo “Ziki” Adeola, with Hamid Ibrahim as the production designer and Tolu Olowofoyeku as the cultural consultant. The series is produced by Christina Chen from Disney Animation, with Jennifer Lee, chief creative officer for Walt Disney Animation Studios, as the executive producer along with veteran Disney director Byron Howard (“Encanto,” “Zootopia,” “Tangled”). Adeola and Halima Hudson from Disney Animation worked on the screenplay.
“We created ‘Iwájú’ as a love letter to Lagos, Nigeria, and an ode to the rich legacy of African storytelling,” said Writer and Director Olufikayo Ziki Adeola. “We’re proud to share this series and hope that it inspires more Africans across the world to share their stories and shape our collective narrative.”
Christine Service, Senior Vice President and General Manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa, commented, “‘Iwájú’ is a true celebration of the creativity and storytelling excellence that is at the heart of Disney, bringing the immense talent and creative vision of home-grown filmmakers to the world. With the distribution of the series on Disney Channel, we are excited to give audiences across Africa the chance to experience this ambitious and uniquely innovative series.”
Kugali Media’s president and “Iwájú” cultural consultant Olowofoyeku explains that “Iwájú” is derived from the Yoruba phrase “Ojó iwájú,” meaning “the day ahead” or the future. The series primarily features characters from the Yoruba ethnic group, one of the main groups in Nigeria.
Ibrahim, CEO of Kugali Media and production designer for “Iwájú,” mentioned, “We envisioned the future of Lagos approximately 100 years from now, with the mainland accommodating as many people as possible in towering structures, and the island, where the wealthy reside, designed to be visually stunning like a work of art.”
The series has received positive feedback globally, being praised as “an exciting new step for Walt Disney” by ScreenRant.com and described by ABC News in Australia as “both uniquely African, and yet universal in its appeal” and “beautiful to look at with a compelling story.”
Watch “Iwájú” in 3 special broadcasts, exclusively on Disney Channel (DStv, Channel 303):
Weekdays from Monday, 22 – 26 April at 17:00(CAT) / 16:00(WAT) with a marathon on Saturday, 27 April starting from 14:00(CAT) / 13:00(WAT)
Special repeat broadcasts from Monday, 29 April – Saturday, 4 May and a marathon on Sunday, 5 May from 13:35 (CAT) / 12:35(WAT)
On Africa Day, Saturday 25 May, with another 6-episode marathon from 11:00 (CAT) / 10:00(WAT)
Download Images: Click Here (https://apo-opa.co/3VUc3SY)
Link to Trailer: Click here (https://apo-opa.co/3VQ9cKY)
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Walt Disney Company Africa.
Media Contact:
Disney Channel Publicity
Gilda Narsimdas
gilda@entouragemedia.co.za
0722224383
Notes to Editors:
Facebook: @DisneyAfrica
Instagram: @DisneyAfrica
YouTube: @DisneyChannelAfrica
About Kugali:
Kugali, an African-owned and operated storytelling collective, is at the forefront of Africa’s modern presence in the AAA media landscape, with a focus on authenticity and creativity. Founded in 2017 by Tolu Olowofoyeku, Olufikayo Adeola, and Hamid Ibrahim, Kugali Media aims to bring African stories to a global audience. Kugali Media has garnered attention from companies like Disney and the BBC, paving the way for a new generation of African storytellers through record-breaking crowdfunding campaigns, award-winning graphic novels, and the upcoming Disney+ series in collaboration with Disney Animation, “Iwájú.” Connect through social media (@kugalimedia), website (www.Kugali.com), or email contact@kugali.com.
About Walt Disney Animation Studios:
Walt Disney Animation Studios, known for blending masterful artistry and storytelling with groundbreaking technology, is a filmmaker-driven animation studio responsible for creating some of the most beloved films in history. Disney Animation continues to build on its legacy of innovation and creativity, with classic films like “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Frozen 2,” “Pinocchio,” “The Little Mermaid,” “The Lion King,” “Frozen,” “Zootopia,” and “Encanto.”
About The Walt Disney Company EMEA:
Operating in Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) for over 80 years, The Walt Disney Company employs thousands across the region. Through iconic brands like Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, 20th Century Studios, and ESPN, The Walt Disney Company EMEA entertains, informs, and inspires millions of consumers in over 130 countries. Disney+, the company’s direct-to-consumer streaming service, is currently available in 60 markets across EMEA.