A wave of excitement is rippling through the animation world, carrying with it the vibrant colours, rich mythology, and undeniable spirit of Nigeria. At the heart of this buzz is “Iyanu,” a groundbreaking animated series that is not just captivating audiences but also marking a significant moment for African storytelling on the global stage.
Adapted from the acclaimed graphic novel series “Iyanu: Child of Wonder” by Roye Okupe, the series premiered to eager viewers on Cartoon Network on April 5, 2025, followed swiftly by its debut on Max (formerly HBO Max) on April 6. Crucially, it also launched on Showmax, bringing this authentically Nigerian story directly to audiences across 44 African nations, a move celebrated by its creators and proponents of African narratives.
Set in the enchanting, Yoruba-inspired kingdom of Yorubaland, “Iyanu” follows the journey of a teenage orphan girl grappling with a forgotten past. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she accidentally awakens latent magical abilities, powers unseen since a bygone “age of wonders.”
This discovery sets her on a remarkable path alongside two newfound friends – the adventurous Biyi and the knowledgeable Toye. Together, they embark on a quest not only to confront an ancient evil threatening their homeland but also to unravel the truths about Iyanu’s origins, her parents, and her ultimate destiny to save their world.
Recently, Netng’s Tomiwo Ojo sat down with key members of the voice cast – Serah Johnson (Iyanu), Okey Jude (Biyi), and Samuel Kugbiyi (Toye) – along with the insightful Casting and Voice Director, Paula Gammon Wilson, to delve into the magic, meaning, and making of this landmark series.
Iyanu is more than just a cartoon, it’s a beacon of representation
The significance of “Iyanu” extends far beyond its compelling fantasy-adventure plotline. It stands as a powerful symbol of cultural pride and authentic representation, a sentiment echoed passionately by its cast and creators. Samuel Kugbiyi, who voices the thoughtful Toye, elaborated on the profound connection he anticipates audiences will feel:
“It’s definitely going to be something that every Nigerian child, every brown child is gonna look at and it’s gonna be like, that is us, and that is what we sound like. That is what we, that is how excited we are to see jollof rice and Egusi soup. And it’s in animation. So it’s definitely something beautiful, something historic.”
This commitment to authenticity stems from the very top. Roye Okupe, the series creator and founder of YouNeek Studios, shared with Variety that his own childhood experiences watching superhero stories in Lagos fueled his desire to create characters that reflected his world. He expressed his delight that Showmax would introduce “Iyanu” to Nigerian children, offering them a superhero who “looks and sounds like them.”
This vision is amplified by the production house, Lion Forge Entertainment, known for the Oscar-winning short “Hair Love.” CEO David Steward II emphasised the series’ dual nature: playing to global audiences while having its “heart and roots are in Africa.” He envisions “Iyanu” inspiring African children with a superhero world shaped around their own experiences.
Adding to this, Nomsa Philiso, CEO of general entertainment at MultiChoice (co-owner of Showmax), stressed the importance of African stories being told not just by Africans, but to Africans first, countering a historical trend where African narratives were often more accessible outside the continent.
The weight and privilege of this representation are not lost on the cast. Serah Johnson, the voice of Iyanu herself, described feeling “very humbled, very privileged, very honoured to be a part of something so great,” acknowledging its role in “changing the history of animation in Nigeria.” Okey Jude, voicing Biyi, echoed this, stating he feels “blessed” to be part of what he considers a “legendary show already” and at the “forefront… of the representation.”
Bringing Yorubaland’s Heroes to Life: The Voices of Iyanu
The heart of “Iyanu” beats through its compelling characters, brought vividly to life by an all-Nigerian principal voice cast.
Serah Johnson as Iyanu: As the titular heroine, Iyanu is a character of immense potential and hidden depths. Johnson, an award-winning voice actress and sound engineer – notably the first African to win for Outstanding Narration at the SOVAS Awards – imbues Iyanu with a blend of vulnerability and burgeoning strength.
Reflecting on the role, Johnson shared the intense dedication involved in an exclusive interview with Netng: “…how much sweat literally… how much effort and how much soul we put into this project.” She holds a strong conviction about the show’s impact, believing it will be “very, very loved” and become a cherished part of viewers’ childhoods, much like her own favourite cartoons. “I feel like some kids… a lot of kids… In years from now, we are going to be talking about Iyanu just like that,”
Okey Jude as Biyi: Biyi provides a counterpoint to Iyanu’s initial uncertainty with his free-spirited and adventurous nature. Jude, an accomplished actor with credits like “Hotel Labamba,” found an interesting dynamic in voicing the character. “I think for me Biyi is like an alter ego, right? He’s everything Okey Jude is, is not,” he admitted during the interview, giving significant credit to director Paula Gammon Wilson and creator Roye Okupe for “being able to draw out that, that part… of him.” His portrayal captures Biyi’s energy and loyalty, making him a vital part of the central trio.
Rounding out the core group is Toye, the intelligent, charming, and pacifistic friend who finds strength in knowledge rather than combat, often putting him at odds with the expectations of his warrior father, General Kanfo. Kugbiyi, whose voice credits also include “Jabalata,” found a deep connection with Toye. “I really began to see the similarities between myself and Toye,” he shared.
He related to Toye being “the nerd, the bookworm in the group,” albeit clarifying the nuances of the term in a Nigerian context. He celebrated Toye’s pride in his brilliance and his pacifist nature. Kugbiyi emphasized a crucial aspect of animation: “when you can find yourself in the character. I think it’s so, so beautifully done.” He believes many young viewers will see themselves reflected in Iyanu, Biyi, or Toye.
Beyond the main trio, the series boasts a stellar supporting cast featuring prominent Nigerian talent, including Adesua Etomi-Wellington as Iyanu’s mentor Olori, Blossom Chukwujekwu as Toye’s father General Kanfo, Stella Damasus as the Riverlands matriarch Mama Sewa, and Shaffy Bello as the enigmatic Emi, further cementing the show’s commitment to authentic representation.
Guiding this talented cast was Paula Gammon Wilson, an award-winning Casting and Voice Director with extensive experience, particularly in children’s content.
Her passion for the project and her collaborative approach were evident in the Netng interview and praised by the actors. Wilson described the casting process, undertaken with Roye Okupe, as extensive, involving listening to over 1,500 voices to find the perfect fits for this unique, Nigerian-centered project.
What she found most exciting, however, were the recording sessions themselves. “I loved hearing the cast bring these characters to life,” she enthused. Unlike projects requiring heavy guidance, Wilson found that with Serah, Okey, and Samuel, her role was more about “creating a space for them to play and to make something.” She lauded the trio as an “instant best soufflé” who formed the emotional and action core of the show. “It was really just a joy to get into the booth with them and to play and to create,” she stated, calling the experience “a blast.”
This supportive environment was deeply appreciated by the actors. Samuel Kugbiyi highlighted Wilson’s knack for fostering comfort and creativity: “Paula just helps us to feel at ease and she gives us… room to be comfortable with the role and to really play… the more you’re allowed to play, the more you become, you embody something in the character.”
“Iyanu” is meticulously crafted by a team dedicated to its vision. Produced by Lion Forge Entertainment and spearheaded by creator Roye Okupe, the series benefits from the co-creation of Brandon Easton, who also led the writers’ room, featuring talents like Emmy-winner Kerri Grant (“Doc McStuffins”). The executive production team includes prominent figures from Lion Forge, Impact X Capital, Forefront Media Group, and Superprod, indicating strong industry backing.
The future for “Iyanu” looks exceptionally bright. Even before the first season concluded, the series secured a renewal for a second ten-episode season. It represents a confluence of cultural pride, artistic passion, and global ambition. It brings a rich, Yoruba-inspired world to international audiences, authentically voiced and shaped by Nigerian talent.
Through the adventures of Iyanu, Biyi, and Toye, the series explores universal themes of identity, courage, friendship, and destiny, all while celebrating the unique textures of Nigerian culture – from its mythology and music to its food.
As Serah Johnson predicts, children may indeed grow up talking about “Iyanu” as a formative part of their viewing experience. With its blend of thrilling action, heartfelt character arcs, stunning visuals rooted in African aesthetics, and the palpable dedication of its cast and crew, “Iyanu” is poised not just to entertain, but to inspire, paving the way for a new era of African animation and leaving an indelible mark on the world stage.
