Iwaju Disney’s Initial Animation Partnership With an External Studio in a Century, Unveils First Trailer
Disney’s collaboration with an external studio, Iwájú, marks its first animation venture in a century. The series has unveiled its inaugural trailer alongside a February 28 Disney+ release date for all episodes of the limited series.
Set in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria, Iwájú follows the coming-of-age journey of “Tola, a young girl from the wealthy island, and her best friend, Kole, a self-taught tech expert, as they uncover the secrets and perils hidden in their disparate worlds.”
The trailer offers a glimpse into a technologically advanced world “inspired by the spirit of Lagos” and introduces an endearing robotic lizard named Otin, showcasing its remarkable abilities.
Crafted jointly by Disney and Pan-African Comic Book Entertainment Company Kugali, the series boasts a talented team including director Olufikayo Ziki Adeola, production designer Hamid Ibrahim, and cultural consultant Toluwalakin Olowofoyeku. Disney Animation’s Christina Chen oversees production, with a screenplay by Adeola and Halima Hudson. The voice cast features Simisola Gbadamosi (Tola), Dayo Okeniyi, Femi Branch, Siji Soetan (Kole), and Weruche Opia.
Iwájú’s soundtrack, available on March 1, showcases authentic African-influenced music courtesy of Nigerian composer Ré Olunuga.
Olunuga shared his thoughts, stating, “In addition to Tola’s adventurous spirit, Kole’s ingenuity and the many other fun and beautiful emotional threads explored in ‘Iwájú’—the score is steeped in my own very deep love for Lagos and its multiplicitous layers.
Moreover, a new mobile game titled Disney Iwájú: Rising Chef, inspired by the series, will debut on February 28. Developed by Maliyo Games in collaboration with Disney and Kugali, the game promises to explore authentic African delicacies through a fast-paced and accessible cooking experience celebrating Nigeria’s culture and cuisine.
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