Showmax and Cartoon Network Team Up for Nigerian Superhero Series Iyanu
The animated series is set to premiere in 2025 on Cartoon Network and Max in the US, and on Showmax in 44 African countries. During the 12th Lagos Comic Convention, hosted at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, Nigeria’s diverse creative talents were celebrated, with a special focus on the much-anticipated animated series, Iyanu. This series is being brought to life by Lion Forge Entertainment and Showmax.
At a panel titled, “Iyanu: Creating a Nigerian Superhero Series for the World,” key creatives behind the series and the novels gathered to share their insights. Participants included Serah Johnson, the voice actress for Iyanu in the animation, along with Godwin Akpan, the artist and art director for both the Iyanu: Child of Wonder comic and series, Akinboye Olasunkanmi and Toyin Ajetunmobi, both artists for Iyanu: Child of Wonder, and Victor Sanchez Aghahowa, the head of production for West Africa at MultiChoice.
The panelists delved into how the animated series blends Nigeria’s rich folklore with innovative animation, aiming to create a fantasy superhero that appeals to audiences both locally and globally, thereby pushing storytelling boundaries.
Serah Johnson spoke about her experience portraying Iyanu in the animation.
“The whole experience was so mind-blowing for me. I like to do my background work and when I started the process, I wanted to know all about Iyanu. I downloaded all the comic books and started reading up on Iyanu. It was such an amazing story and it made me fall in love with the character even more. It wasn’t just business as usual for me, it became very dear to my heart. Iyanu is a smart, adventurous girl with divine powers. Her journey of self-discovery resonates with audiences of all ages,” she said.
Johnson also emphasized the tremendous potential within Nigeria’s growing animation industry.
“Growing up, I didn’t see faces like mine or hear voices like mine in animation. I have to commend the Lion Forge team, especially the casting director, for bringing together the best of the best. One issue I’ve always had with foreign movies or animated series that try to represent Africa or Nigeria was their accents—they never seemed to get it right. Roye was very particular about that, and it made me so excited to see someone paying such close attention to all the details to make sure the series comes out just right,” she added.
Godwin Akpan, art director for the series, said, “The fact that we are getting a show about African culture is a big deal. There are so many Black people in the diaspora who will love to learn more about the culture of where they come from. To be working on a show that presents our culture in a fantasy light is just amazing and I believe the world is ready for it! Now, it’s time for Africa to shine. This is a beautiful moment, and it’s going to be an exciting adventure—the beginning of many more things to come,” he said.
Victor Sanchez Aghahowa, representing MultiChoice West Africa, highlighted the significance of preserving African culture through narratives.
“Preserving our culture through storytelling is vital. Iyanu represents a monumental moment where our rich heritage is shared with the world. Showmax is proud to bring this story to audiences in Africa. It’s not about others telling our stories; it’s about us reclaiming our narratives. Our culture once shared through oral traditions, is now reaching audiences via streaming. Today, with everyone on their phones, Showmax brings this experience directly to you,” he said.
Iyanu is set to debut in 2025 on Cartoon Network and Max in the US, and across 44 African countries on Showmax.
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