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

The groundbreaking Nigerian animated sequence Iyanu will premiere on Showmax throughout 44 African international locations on Friday, 13 June. The discharge is completely timed for Father’s Day and the varsity holidays.

This thrilling sequence attracts deeply from Nigerian tradition, music, and mythology.

THE STORY OF ‘IYANU’

It tells the story of a teenage orphan who discovers her divine powers and her future to avoid wasting the traditional kingdom of Yorubaland.

Iyanu follows its brave heroine as she navigates a magical world steeped in Yoruba traditions. Whereas craving for a traditional life, Iyanu’s world turns the wrong way up when a looming menace awakens powers.

These powers have been unseen for the reason that legendary Age of Wonders, in line with Shomax Tales.

Accompanied by her buddies Biyi, Toye, and a magical leopard named Ekun, she embarks on an epic quest to uncover the supply of evil and save her folks.

‘IYANU’ THE GRAPHIC NOVEL

The sequence is customized from Roye Okupe’s acclaimed graphic novel Iyanu: Baby of Surprise, printed by YouNeek Studios and Darkish Horse Comics.

This is similar powerhouse behind The Umbrella Academy and Hellboy. Roye Okupe, born and raised in Nigeria, serves as creator, govt producer, and showrunner.

He mentioned, “One of many causes I began YouNeek Studios and created Iyanu is as a result of I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, watching superhero tales on DStv.

‘IYANU’ ON SHOWMAX

To now see Iyanu launching on Showmax throughout 44 African international locations is actually a full-circle second.

I’m past thrilled that children, adults, and households throughout the continent will get to see a superhero who appears, sounds, and seems like them”.

Produced by Lion Forge Leisure, the Emmy-winning studio behind the Oscar®-winning Hair Love, Iyanu boasts an all-African voice forged.

The voice forged is led by award-winning Serah Johnson as Iyanu.

THE VOICE CAST

The forged additionally options African Film Academy Awards (AMAA) winner and Vogue US cowl star Adesua Etomi-Wellington.

Three-time AMAA nominee Stella Damasus, multi-award-winning Blossom Chukwujekwu, and Shaffy Bello, recognized for The Black E book, additionally be part of.

Nigerian Grammy nominee Yemi Alade lends her voice to the theme track, expressing her satisfaction.

“Iyanu showcases the resilience, the wonder and the power of our tradition. Rising up, I at all times hoped to observe cartoons with characters that appeared and appeared like me. Proper now, it’s occurring, and I’m actually pleased to be a part of it”.

NUMBER ONE SERIES ON CARTOON NETWORK

Since its US debut in April 2025, Iyanu soared to turn into the #1 sequence on Cartoon Community. The present was ranked within the high 10 youngsters and household sequence on Max. It has already been greenlit for a second season and two linked function movies.

Screenrant praised it as “The Final Airbender and Black Panther hybrid you didn’t know you wanted,” highlighting its distinctive mix of fantasy and African heritage.

Dr Busola Tejumola, Government Head of Normal Leisure at MultiChoice, remarked, “Iyanu brings Nigerian tradition and mythology to life excitingly and authentically.

We’re proud to be the house of its African premiere. I can’t await audiences throughout the continent to expertise this epic journey on Showmax.”

‘IYANU’ AND AFRICAN ANIMATION

This launch marks a big milestone for African animation. The present joins the ranks of different award-winning productions like Tabby McTat and The Smeds and The Smoos.

These exhibits are additionally obtainable on Showmax.

Iyanu gives a recent and vibrant superhero story that resonates with African id and satisfaction. It’s an opportunity to see a hero who appears like us, speaks to our cultures, and celebrates our tales.

With its charming animation, wealthy storytelling, and all-star African forged, Iyanu guarantees to be a must-watch hit this June on Showmax.