By Samantha Ofole-Prince
Serah Johnson and Okey Jude are set to headline the voice cast for “Iyanu,” the upcoming superhero animated series.
“Iyanu” is an adaptation of Dark Horse Comics/YouNeek Studios’ popular graphic novel series “Iyanu: Child of Wonder” by award-winning Nigerian creator and producer Roye Okupe.
Johnson will voice Iyanu, a teenage heroine with no recollection of her past, who suddenly discovers that she has abilities that rival the ancient deities of her people. Known for her voiceover work within the animation industry and audiobooks, she is the first Nigerian and African to win the Society of Voice Arts Award (SOVAS) for Outstanding Animation Character – Film or TV – Best African VoiceOver for her work on “Moji.”
Okey Jude (“Hotel Labamba,” “The Governor’s Daughter”) will voice Biyi, Iyanu’s carefree adventurer friend.
Joining Johnson and Jude in the voice cast are Samuel Kugbiyi (“Tafiya Lafiya: The Journey,” ) as Iyanu’s bookworm friend Toye, African Movie Academy Awards winner Adesua Etomi-Wellington (“King of Boys,” “Gangs of Lagos”), Blossom Chukwujekwu (“Falling,” “Stolen Lives”), Stella Damasus (“Gone”), Shaffy Bello (“The Score,” “Battleground”) and Ike Ononye (“Doc Martin,” “The Lovers”).
“Iyanu” is a superhero tale set in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland, which draws from Nigerian culture, music and mythology. Drawing deeply from the rich tapestry of Yoruba people, the animated series follows a teenage orphan girl, Iyanu, who spends her days studying history and ancient arts but yearns for a normal life. One day, responding to danger, she unknowingly triggers her divine powers, the likes of which have not been seen since the Age of Wonders. With newly discovered superpowers, Iyanu joins forces with two other teenagers, Biyi and Toye, as they embark on a remarkable journey to discover the truth about the evil lurking in her homeland. Throughout her adventure, she’ll uncover the truth about her past, her parents, and her ultimate destiny to save the world.
