By Samantha Ofole-Prince
The countdown begins for Roye Okupe’s animated series, which is finally set to air in April.
Set in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland, “Iyanu” follows an orphan who uses her superpowers to save her people from an ancient curse and is adapted from Okupe’s graphic novel series “Iyanu: Child of Wonder.”
Serah Johnson leads the all-African voice cast as Iyanu and is joined by Okey Jude, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Stella Damasus, Blossom Chukwujekwu and Shaffy Bello.
The series is helmed by Roye Okupe, who was born and raised in Nigeria and also serves as Creator, Executive Producer and Showrunner.
Drawing on Nigerian culture, music, and mythology, the animated series follows Iyanu and her friends Biyi, Toye, and a magical leopard named Ekun as they set off a hero’s quest.
“It has been a hero’s journey for Roye and the team to bring this ambitious and stunning series to Cartoon Network and Max. This April, we all get to benefit from years of their effort and enter the super unique world they have created, filled with magic, mysterious enemies and divine powers,” shares Michael Ouweleen, President of Cartoon Network and Adult Swim.
“Iyanu” is set to premiere on Cartoon Network on Saturday, April 5, with streaming available on Max the following day. Showmax has set its launch date for June 13, when the entire first season of “Iyanu” will be available across 44 African countries.
