Cartoon Network’s Iyanu is a vibrant new animated series that proudly celebrates the rich heritage, mythology, and spirit of Nigerian culture. This new history-making series marks one of the first times that a kids’ cartoon has embarked upon such a journey.
It was announced back in 2022 that the series was going to be adapted for television based on the graphic novel series, “Iyanu: Child of Wonder by Roye Okupe. Fast-forward to the present, and Iyanu is now ready for viewers to journey into a world that the series creator has coined as “a love-letter” to his four year-old daughter.
Want to know more? Well, check out the brief synopsis of the action from Parents.com below.
“Iyanu is a story about a teenage orphan who is exiled from her community because she possesses powers that rival those of the gods. The twist? These very powers are the key to saving the same people who cast her out—from an ancient threat known as the Corrupt with one mission: to devour mankind,” Roye Okupe explained to the outlet.
He continued, explaining the importance of the series’ incorporation of Nigerian culture. “As someone born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, I see it as my responsibility to ensure that my culture is represented with care, nuance, and authenticity.”
Iyanu boasts an all majority African voice cast that features Nigerian and Nollywood talent, including Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Stella Damasus, Shaffy Bello and Ike Ononye.
When asked by the outlet what can kids expect to gain from the new series, Okupe commented that they will learn a lot, yet the central theme that they will learn is unquestionably empathy.
“Iyanu experiences a powerful internal conflict,” explained Okupe to the outlet, “that forces her to ask “‘Do I use these powers for my own survival, or do I master them for the good of others—even those who rejected me?’”
He continued, “Her greatest strength becomes clear: empathy. Throughout her journey, Iyanu learns that being a true hero means putting others first and striving to save everyone—even those who don’t understand or accept her. That’s the message at the heart of this series.”
“Iyanu is a fun show, filled with action, humor, heart, and adventure. I think kids and adults alike will laugh, cry, cheer, and feel every moment. But ultimately, I hope audiences walk away feeling inspired to go out into the real world and let their light shine, even in times of darkness. We all have something to give that can brighten our communities, support our loved ones, and leave the world better than we found it,” Okupe concluded.
Iyanu is geared toward children 6-12. The 10-episode series is now streaming on Cartoon Network and HBO Max.
Photo: Iyanu Series Instagram; Cartoon Network/HBO Max
