African animated series 'Iyanu' set for Showmax debut this June

The South African

2 days ago

The groundbreaking Nigerian animated series Iyanu will premiere on Showmax across 44 African countries on Friday, 13 June. The release is perfectly timed for Father's Day and the school holidays.
This thrilling series draws deeply from Nigerian culture, music, and mythology. THE STORY OF 'IYANU'
It tells the story of a teenage orphan who discovers her divine powers and her destiny to save the ancient kingdom of Yorubaland.
Iyanu follows its courageous heroine as she navigates a magical world steeped in Yoruba traditions. While yearning for a normal life, Iyanu's world turns upside down when a looming threat awakens powers.
These powers have been unseen since the legendary Age of Wonders, according to Shomax Stories.
Accompanied by her friends Biyi, Toye, and a magical leopard named Ekun, she embarks on an epic quest to uncover the source of evil and save her people.
The series is adapted from Roye Okupe's acclaimed graphic novel Iyanu: Child of Wonder , published by YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics.
This is the same powerhouse behind The Umbrella Academy and Hellboy . Roye Okupe, born and raised in Nigeria, serves as creator, executive producer, and showrunner.
He said, 'One of the reasons I started YouNeek Studios and created Iyanu is because I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, watching superhero stories on DStv.
To now see Iyanu launching on Showmax across 44 African countries is truly a full-circle moment.
I'm beyond thrilled that kids, adults, and families across the continent will get to see a superhero who looks, sounds, and feels like them'.
Produced by Lion Forge Entertainment, the Emmy-winning studio behind the Oscar®-winning Hair Love , Iyanu boasts an all-African voice cast.
The voice cast is led by award-winning Serah Johnson as Iyanu.
The cast also features African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) winner and Vogue US cover star Adesua Etomi-Wellington.
Three-time AMAA nominee Stella Damasus, multi-award-winning Blossom Chukwujekwu, and Shaffy Bello, known for The Black Book, also join.
Nigerian Grammy nominee Yemi Alade lends her voice to the theme song, expressing her pride.
'Iyanu showcases the resilience, the beauty and the strength of our culture. Growing up, I always hoped to watch cartoons with characters that looked and sounded like me. Right now, it's happening, and I'm really happy to be part of it'.
Since its US debut in April 2025, Iyanu soared to become the #1 series on Cartoon Network. The show was ranked in the top 10 kids and family series on Max. It has already been greenlit for a second season and two linked feature films.
Screenrant praised it as 'The Last Airbender and Black Panther hybrid you didn't know you needed,' highlighting its unique blend of fantasy and African heritage.
Dr Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of General Entertainment at MultiChoice, remarked, ' Iyanu brings Nigerian culture and mythology to life excitingly and authentically.
We are proud to be the home of its African premiere. I can't wait for audiences across the continent to experience this epic adventure on Showmax.'
This launch marks a significant milestone for African animation. The show joins the ranks of other award-winning productions like Tabby McTat and The Smeds and The Smoos .
These shows are also available on Showmax.
Iyanu offers a fresh and vibrant superhero tale that resonates with African identity and pride. It's a chance to see a hero who looks like us, speaks to our cultures, and celebrates our stories.
With its captivating animation, rich storytelling, and all-star African cast, Iyanu promises to be a must-watch hit this June on Showmax.
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