By Nwafor Sunday

Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pan-African Entertainment Company Kugali’s all-new series “Iwájú” made its world premiere in Lagos, Nigeria, last night at the Filmhouse Cinemas IMAX Lekki ahead of today’s Disney+ launch of all six episodes.

Filmmakers Olufikayo Ziki Adeola (director), Hamid Ibrahim (production designer), Tolu Olowofoyeku (cultural consultant) and Ré Olunuga (music by) were joined by special industry guests and celebrities, including members the voice cast: Ireti Doyle (voice of Mrs. Usman), Chioma ‘Chigul’ Omeruah (voice of Chioma), Kehinde Bankole (voice of Mama Kole), Bisola Aiyeola (voice of Happiness), Femi Branch (voice of Bode DeSousa), Simisola Gbadamosi (voice of Tola Martins), Toyin Oshinaike (voice of Godspower), and Obi Maduegbuna (a voice of Hawkers & Lackeys).

Set in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria, the exciting coming-of-age story follows Tola (voice of Simisola Gbadamosi), a young girl from the wealthy island, and her best friend, Kole (voice of Siji Soetan), a self-taught tech expert, as they discover the secrets and dangers hidden in their different worlds. Kugali filmmakers 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. Produced by Disney Animation’s Christina Chen with a screenplay by Adeola and Halima Hudson, “Iwájú” also features the voices of Dayo Okeniyi, Shaffy Belo and Weruche Opia.