The 12th edition of the Lagos Comic Convention, held at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, celebrated Nigeria’s creative diversity, with Lion Forge Entertainment and Showmax taking center stage to unveil their upcoming animated series, Iyanu. The event highlighted the potential of Nigeria’s growing creative and animation industries.
At a panel session titled “Iyanu: Creating a Nigerian Superhero Series for the World,” various creatives who worked on the series and its source novels discussed the unique aspects of the show and its significance in African storytelling.
The panel featured prominent voices in the production of Iyanu, including Serah Johnson, the voice actress for Iyanu, Godwin Akpan, the artist and art director, and Victor Sanchez Aghahowa, the head of production for MultiChoice West Africa.
These creators shed light on how the animated series blends Nigerian folklore with contemporary animation, creating a superhero narrative that appeals to both local and global audiences.
By intertwining cultural heritage with imaginative storytelling, Iyanu promises to push the boundaries of traditional animation and put Nigeria on the global animation map.
Serah Johnson, who plays the titular character, shared her deep connection to the role. She revealed that she immersed herself in the story by reading the original comics to better understand Iyanu’s character.
Johnson described the experience as transformative, stating that she fell in love with Iyanu, a smart and adventurous girl with divine powers.
The character’s journey of self-discovery resonated with her on a personal level, and she emphasized how Iyanu’s story has universal appeal, transcending age and geography.
Johnson also highlighted the importance of authentic African representation in animation, something that was often lacking in the industry.
She praised Lion Forge Entertainment for assembling a talented cast and crew who ensured that the characters’ African accents and mannerisms were accurately portrayed.
Johnson expressed excitement over the growing animation industry in Nigeria and emphasized that African voices and stories are finally being heard on the global stage.
Godwin Akpan, the art director of the Iyanu series, echoed these sentiments. He pointed out that the series’ focus on African culture in a fantasy setting is a groundbreaking achievement.
Akpan emphasized the significance of creating content that Black audiences in the diaspora could relate to and learn from. He expressed pride in being part of a project that would showcase African culture to the world and believed that this moment marked the beginning of a new era for African storytelling in animation.
Victor Sanchez Aghahowa, Head of Production for MultiChoice West Africa, spoke about the importance of preserving African culture through storytelling. He stressed that Iyanu represents a monumental moment for African creatives to reclaim their narratives.
Historically, African culture was passed down through oral traditions, but today, platforms like Showmax enable these stories to reach a global audience through digital streaming. Aghahowa was proud to be part of a project that helps Africa share its rich heritage with the world.
Set to premiere in 2025 on Cartoon Network and Max in the United States, and on Showmax across 44 African countries, Iyanu is poised to captivate audiences with its blend of Nigerian culture, folklore, and fantasy.
The animated series is not just an entertainment piece but a cultural milestone that allows Africa to shine on the global stage, offering a fresh perspective on superhero stories rooted in the continent’s rich traditions.
