As a British Nigerian, it’s fantastic to see familiar elements of such a vibrant culture represented on screen. Envisioning the future of Lagos, Nigeria, the dynamic realm of “Iwájú” is a charming showcase of Afrofuturism and coming of age. A collaboration between Walt Disney Animation Studios and Kugali Media, this animated miniseries delivers a captivating fusion of cultural richness and thought-provoking narratives.
Set in the vivid metropolis of Lagos, “Iwájú” follows the story of Tola Martins, a spirited 10-year-old girl, yearning to explore the world beyond the confines of her privileged upbringing. Tola’s insatiable curiosity propels her into a daring adventure, as she encounters danger, mystery, and friendship along the way.
Walt Disney Animation Studios has never partnered with an outside company in its 100 years of filmmaking – so this series is groundbreaking
As the first original long-form animated series produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, “Iwájú” is a grand achievement that sets a new standard for diversity and representation in mainstream media. With its captivating story, stunning visuals, and powerful themes, “Iwájú” is more than just a kids’ TV series – it’s a celebration of culture and a bold step towards a more inclusive future in media.
“Iwájú’s” unwavering commitment to cultural accuracy is one of the standout aspects of this series. The quintessentially Disney-style visuals are enriched with Nigerian flair and semblance. From the characters’ appearance, language and subtleties, every aspect of the series is immersed in Nigerian essence. The show’s creators, Olufikayo “Ziki” Adeola, Tolu Olowofoyeku and Hamid Ibrahim, worked tirelessly to ensure that every frame captured the spirit of Lagos, from its bustling surroundings to its melting pot of tribes.
Authenticity
“Iwájú” excels in its visual authenticity, offering a colourful and immersive portrayal of Lagos. The animation beautifully captures the soul of the city, including the diverse architecture, and the vibrant markets of the mainland. The attention to detail provides a visually stunning backdrop that mirrors the dynamic landscape of Lagos in real life. I loved how the show infused cultural elements into its mise en scène, including traditional Nigerian attire, food and iconic landmarks. From the multi-coloured Ankara gowns to Agbada and jumbo coral beads; the stunning array of details contributed to the authenticity of the setting and immersed me in the rich tapestry of Naija culture.
“Iwájú” graciously portrays the language and nuanced mannerisms of its characters, incorporating phrases and expressions commonly used amongst Nigerians. The characters speak in a mix of English and Pidgin English which was a delightful and seamless integration. Pidgin is widely spoken in English-speaking West African countries including Nigeria; especially in urban areas like Lagos. It evolved as a lingua franca, enabling communication between people of different ethnic backgrounds, and serving as one marker of Nigerian identity. Pidgin incorporates elements of English and Nigerian languages and influences, creating an expressive and efficient form of communication. The use of Pidgin in “Iwájú’s” dialogue captures the diverse linguistic landscape of Lagos, adding depth to the characters and enhancing the story.
With the guidance of cultural consultant Tolu Olowofoyeku, the show achieves a high level of realism in its portrayal of Nigerian life. Olowofoyeku’s insights made the characters’ behaviour and interactions accurately reflect the cultural norms and social dynamics, lending credibility to the narrative. Additionally, “Iwájú” features a cast of Nigerian voice actors; showcasing homegrown talent that celebrates Nigeria’s rich pool of actors and amplifies the fidelity of the characters’ voices and performances.
In the show, Nigerian authenticity takes precedence over American storytelling tropes, allowing the series to carve out its own unique identity. While the show incorporates elements of traditional storytelling, it infuses them with Nigerian cultural nuances, creating a narrative that feels fresh and compelling.
Themes
The series deals with tough subjects in a manner that isn’t too traumatic. Walt Disney Animation Studios offers a great platform to do just that.
“Iwájú” isn’t just a visual feast – it’s also a thought-provoking exploration of themes such as inequality, norms, values and challenging the status quo. The series shines a spotlight on the realities of life in Nigeria with a nuanced portrayal of the society’s complexity and resilience.
One of the show’s major explorations is the stark economic disparities that exist in Nigeria. We see the contrast between the affluent island and the overpopulated mainland. The series vividly portrays the wealth divide, through the main character Tola whose privilege and abundant lifestyle on the island is halted by the discovery of realities faced by those on the mainland. Tola’s journey serves as a lens through which we witness the consequences of wealth hoarding and corruption, shedding light on the systemic inequalities that plague Nigerian society. In Nigeria, as in many countries around the world, the gap between the rich and the poor is glaringly evident. The affluent elite enjoy lavishness, while many others face poverty, unemployment, and limited access to services such as healthcare and education. This disparity is exacerbated by corruption, with the wealthy hoarding resources and exploiting their positions of power for personal gain. In “Iwájú”, the Lagos setting and depicted divide between the island and the mainland serves as a microcosm of this broader societal issue.
In reality, the class divide in Nigeria is a complex and multifaceted issue that’s rooted in historical, political, and socio-economic factors. The country’s leaders, the legacy of colonialism, the uneven distribution of resources, and systemic corruption all play a role in perpetuating this divide. “Iwájú” shines a light on this topic in a way that resonates with many viewers irrespective of their nationality.
“Iwájú” weaves Nigerian norms and values into its narrative, providing insights into the nation’s culture. From the emphasis on respect for elders and familial obligations to the importance of community and tradition, the series celebrates the core values that shape Nigerian identity. Prominently displayed through the interactions between Tola and her father Tunde, a Nigerian norm is filial piety, where elders are revered and their guidance valued by the youth. Despite her adventurous spirit, Tola’s journey is driven by her desire to win her father’s respect, highlighting the significance of familial relationships in shaping individual identity and aspirations. At its core, “Iwájú” is a coming-of-age story that explores the challenges and responsibilities faced by children in Nigeria. Tola’s journey symbolises the transition from innocence to enlightenment, as she grapples with parental expectations, society, and the pursuit of personal identity. The series explores themes of education and ambition within the context of Nigeria’s cultural norms, offering an endearing portrayal of the universal experience of growing up.
“Iwájú” underscores the importance of community and tradition in Nigerian culture. Characters like Kole, Tola’s friend, embody the spirit of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. While working as a houseboy in Tola’s household, Kole grapples with his mother’s declining health and limited prospects for betterment. I really enjoyed how the show highlighted the distinct backgrounds of Kole and Tola, emphasising how their contrasting life experiences shape the trajectory of their relationship.
Another theme that this series touches on is child kidnapping. In Nigeria, it’s unfortunately been a pervasive issue, with various groups exploiting it for political, economic or ideological reasons. Boko Haram, for instance, have carried out numerous abductions, including the notable kidnapping of over 200 schoolgirls from Chibok in 2014. “Iwájú’s” portrayal of kidnapping reflects the tragic reality faced by many Nigerian communities.
Afrofuturism
In Yoruba, Iwájú roughly translates to “the future”
Afrofuturism is a cultural aesthetic and artistic movement, envisioning futures through a black or African cultural lens. It explores the intersection of technology, identity, and liberation through the context of African diasporic experiences. “Iwájú” epitomises Afrofuturist themes through its portrayal of a futuristic Lagos. The series wonderfully shows us a technologically advanced society against the backdrop of a culturally rich landscape. The show’s futuristic setting presents a vision of Africa that embraces both its past and future. From a robot agama lizard to hawkers selling suya to passengers in flying cars, these little flourishes were truly evocative.
Afrofuturism often critiques contemporary social issues by projecting them into future settings. In “Iwájú,” the exploration of economic disparities, technological advancements, and the impact of globalisation reflects ongoing societal concerns within Nigeria and the broader African context. To draw comparison, the movie “Black Panther”, showcases a similarly advanced society where tradition and innovation coexist harmoniously. However, “Black Panther” presents a vision of Africa untouched by colonialism and exploitation, and doesn’t offer the same nuance and cultural authenticity that “Iwájú” does. While “Black Panther” celebrates African culture, its narrative is filtered through the lens of American filmmakers and storytelling, resulting in a portrayal of Africa that reflects their interpretation and imagination. “Iwájú” emerges as a distinctly African story, crafted by a team of Nigerian and Pan-African creatives who infuse the series with their cultural insights and experiences. This approach allows the series to depict true-to-life nuances of African culture that resonate more.
By presenting Afrofuturism from an African perspective, “Iwájú” in my opinion offers a grounded and culturally specific portrayal of the genre. The series prioritises authenticity and representation, ensuring that African voices and narratives take centre stage. In doing so, “Iwájú” contributes to the amplification of African storytelling and the empowerment of African creatives in the global media landscape. While “Black Panther” and “Iwájú” both explore Afrofuturist themes, their origins and cultural contexts distinguish them from each other. “Black Panther” represents a significant milestone in mainstream representation of African culture, but “Iwájú” marks a pivotal moment, offering audiences an authentic and less filtered glimpse into the future from an African perspective.
“Iwájú” stands as a groundbreaking animated series that gracefully blends futuristic storytelling with Nigerian culture. This captivating showcase was truly immersive and as a collaborative work of art, I can appreciate it for it is. With a diverse cast and crew, an original soundtrack infused with African influences, and meticulous attention to cultural details, “Iwájú” captures the essence of Afrofuturism in animation. From Afro-beats to highlife music, from Agege bread to puff puff and swallow, every cultural element of the show enriches the viewing experience.
As the media and entertainment industry continues to evolve, ongoing collaboration, the offering of opportunities and community feedback are crucial in maintaining authenticity and relevance. Ultimately, “Iwájú” is a testament to the diversifying of Western media, as more unique content is celebrated at the forefront. The show not only seeks to entertain but also to inspire the embracing of African narratives.
@Jasmine Piakan
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