Ryan Swano
It is not surprising how little our children know of African culture beyond our own borders and often even within our borders.
Our kids are constantly inundated with international TV content from the US, Europe and Asia.
Our kids need to see more of themselves on screen, so it’s exciting when African kids content starts to break through globally and locally. The fact that the hit African cartoon series, Iyanu, is in English of course makes it all the more accessible to more kids across Africa and the globe.
Iyanu: Child of Wonder, the Cartoon Set in Africa, Created by Africans about an African Kid, is already a hit in the US and other parts of the world.
The epic fantasy animation series adapted from Roy Okupe’s graphic novel series which has already conquered the world, has since its launch been ranked as the No 1 kids series on Cartoon Network and in the Top 10 on Max.
The breakout first season of Iyanu: Child of Wonder is currently available to binge on Showmax.
Why Our Kids Need to Watch Iyanu
Even though I have not yet finished watching all the episodes of Iyanu on Showmax, I have to admit that I’m loving it.
Yeah OK, now you all Know it; I’m a kid at heart, and though work is keeping me busy I can’t wait to get back to binging Iyanu: Child of Wonder up to the final showdown in episode 10.
However, the fact that I love the Iyanu cartoon series cannot be the only reason our kids should see it.
As someone who regularly does community work involving kids from predominanty Coloured areas on the Cape Flats, but also from a diversity of other communities, I see this as an opportunity for All Of Our Kids from All Our DIfferent Communities to Develop a Connection With All of Africa and All of Our African Peoples and Cultures.
Instead of only having cartoon heroes from America, Europe and Asia, our kids should also have cartoon heroes from where they are from; Africa.
Hybrid of The Last Airbender & Black Panther in Yorubaland
When Iyanu, a teenage orphan girl discovers she has magical powers, she embarks on a remarkable journey with her friends to discover the truth about the evil lurking in her homeland.
Drawing on Nigerian culture, music, and mythology, Iyanu discovers her divine powers and her destiny to save the ancient kingdom of Yorubaland.
After its US launch in April 2025, Iyanu ranked as the #1 series on Cartoon Network and in the top 10 kids and family series on Max during its run. Cartoon Network and Max have already greenlit Season 2 and two linked feature films.
Screenrant hails it as “The Last Airbender and Black Panther hybrid you didn’t know you needed.”
WATCH: Iyanu Official Trailer
Iyanu’s Nigerian Born Creator
Produced by Oscar and Emmy winners Lion Forge Entertainment (Hair Love), the epic fantasy animation series is adapted from Roy Okupe’s graphic novel series, Iyanu: Child of Wonder, published by YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics, the powerhouse behind the likes of The Umbrella Academy and Hellboy comics.
“The support for our show has been nothing short of humbling – and because of that incredible response, we now get to bring the next chapter of Iyanu’s story to life,” says Roye. Born and raised in Nigeria, he serves as creator, executive producer and showrunner on Iyanu. “I’m thrilled to continue expanding the world of Iyanu and the YouNeek YouNiverse, and to share this journey with audiences across the globe. This is just the beginning.”
Speaking about Iyanu now being available on Showmax across Africa, he adds, “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. I can’t wait for audiences throughout Africa to experience the magic and wonder of Iyanu – a show that’s already capturing hearts around the world.”
All African Voice Cast
Award winner Serah Johnson leads the all-African voice cast as Iyanu, alongside Okey Jude and Samuel Kugbiyi as her friends
Biyi and Toye. Also listen out for African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) winner and
Vogue US cover star Adesua
Etomi-Wellington, three-time AMAA nominee Stella Damasus, multi-award
winner Blossom Chukwujekwu, and Shaffy Bello (The Black Book).
Nigerian Grammy nominee Yemi Alade sings the theme song. She says Iyanu “showcases the resilience, the beauty and the strength of our culture. Growing up as a kid, I always hoped that I would watch cartoons and animated movies like this … an animated series with a character that looks and sounds like me. Right now, it’s happening and I’m really happy to be part of it.”
WATCH Yemi Alade – You Are – Iyanu Title Sequence Extended Theme Song
African Animations Making International Breakthroughs
In their four-star review, Common Sense Media recommends the “fresh and fun” series for ages 8+.
Iyanu’s success is just the latest in a string of breakthroughs for African animation. For example, the International Emmy for Kids Animation went to Tabby McTat in 2024 and The Smeds and The Smoos in 2023 – both of which were directed by South Africans. Jac Hamman and Sarah Scrimgeour directed Tabby McTat, while Daniel Snaddon and Samantha Cutler directed The Smeds and The Smoos. Both animations, adapted from the Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler bestsellers, are also available to stream on Showmax.
