A new trailer and artwork has been released by Disney+ for the upcoming Iwájú. This is an all-new series from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pan-African Comic Book Entertainment Company Kugali. Starting on February 28, 2024, fans will be able to see this story that takes place in Lagos, Nigeria that is an exciting coming-of-age story follows Tola (voice of Simisola Gbadamosi), a young girl from a wealthy island and her best friend, Kole (voice of Siji Soetan), a self-taught tech expert, as they discover secrets and dangers hidden in their different worlds. Check out the trailer for this series here:
Iwájú Official Description
Journey to a world where nothing is as it seems with #Iwájú, an all-new limited series from Disney Animation and @Kugalimedia. All episodes are available February 28 on @disneyplus.
“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.
Along with the series arriving on Disney+, there will also be its soundtrack and video game coming this spring. The soundtrack will be available on March 1, 2024. Here is the official information about this release:
The series’ authentic African-influenced music is by renowned Nigerian composer Ré Olunuga, whose credits include music for the 2022 Disney+ original movie “Rise” and the BBC film “Girl.” “I rarely bring my own emotions into writing a score,” he said. “I tend to inhabit the emotions of the characters or subjects and then translate them into music. In this case, it couldn’t be avoided. 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. It also includes many treats and winks for anyone familiar with or curious about the film music lexicon of Nollywood. Being invited by Ziki and the amazing teams at Disney and Kugali to help tell this beautiful coming-of-age story that explores themes of family, friendship and ingenuity has been an amazing adventure in itself.”
The video game for Iwájú will also be arriving this spring. It is set to be released on February 28, 2024 as well. Here are the official details about this game:
“Disney Iwájú: Rising Chef” will take players into the world of “Iwájú” and allow them to explore authentic African delicacies through this fast-paced and accessible cooking game that celebrates the culture and cuisine of Nigeria. Developed byMaliyo Games in collaboration with Disney and Kugali, “Iwájú: Rising Chef” will allow players to advance their culinary skills, become the best chef in Lagos, and take over the fanciest restaurant in town. “Iwájú: Rising Chef” will be available for iOS and Android on Feb. 28, to coincide with the debut of the Disney+ series.
What do you think about the arrival of this series, video game, and soundtrack? Are you excited to experience these? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
