What Is Iwájú? Let’s Find out More About the New Disney+ Series

If you tune into our Monday Merch Meeting, you might have noticed a few weeks ago that we covered a new line of merchandise from a new Disney+ series, Iwájú. You might be wondering what this new venture between Disney and Kugali Media is all about. We were, too, so we did some digging to find out everything we could about the new arrival coming later this month. Walt Disney Animation Studios is only a few days away from releasing its first-ever long-form original animated TV series on Disney+ in conjunction with Kugali Media. The idea was also floated in place of a Moana sequel, though the content was ultimately announced to be reworked into a feature-length animated movie instead. (You can read more about Moana 2 here.)

Kugali Media is a British-based company founded by incredible African artists (Olufikayo Adeola (Ziki), Tolu Olowofoyeku, and Hamid Ibrahim) that focuses on the storytelling of African culture. Meet the creative forces behind the innovative brand that is set to expand the scope of Disney storytelling:

Together with Walt Disney Animation, Kugali Media has created a new series entitled Iwájú, set in futuristic Nigeria with a wide range of diverse, culturally-rich characters that tell a new story for Disney audiences to enjoy. Let’s take a quick look at the official trailer Disney released last week:

Iwájú is an original animated series set in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria. The exciting coming-of-age story follows Tola, a young girl from the wealthy island, and her best friend, Kole, a self-taught tech expert, as they discover the secrets and dangers hidden in their different worlds. Kugali filmmakers—including director Olufikayo Ziki Adeola, production designer Hamid Ibrahim and cultural consultant Toluwalakin Olowofoyeku—take viewers on a unique journey into the world of Iwájú, bursting with unique visual elements and technological advancements inspired by the spirit of Lagos. The series is produced by Disney Animation’s Christina Chen with a screenplay by Adeola and Halima Hudson. Iwájú features the voices of Simisola Gbadamosi, Dayo Okeniyi, Femi Branch, Siji Soetan and Weruche Opia.

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For those of you who love a gaming app to go with your favorite Disney Stories, there is a new game to accompany the new series called Disney Iwájú: Rising Chef. You can watch a preview of the game as part of the announcement trailer below:

I was so glad that I looked further into this one. Having gone from not knowing much about the new series to now counting down the days till it is released on February 28th, I’m excited to see a new take on Disney storytelling through the eyes and voices of Kugali Media. I have a feeling this is the beginning of something good. Will you be watching the Iwájú series?