Disney’s latest venture, the animated series Iwájú on Disney+, is making waves for its “top-notch” animation, “stellar voice acting,” and a “delightful” portrayal of futuristic Nigeria, according to critics.
The collaboration with Nigerian production company Kugali marks a historic milestone for Disney+, showcasing a commitment to boosting African representation in animation.
Centred around Tola, a young girl navigating a sci-fi version of Lagos, Iwájú introduces viewers to a world where luxury cars fly over bustling markets, supervillains wield bionic arms, and AI pets are a must-have.
Despite praise for its inventiveness, some critics note flaws, with concerns about the show’s pacing and character development.
The Guardian applauds Iwájú as a “delightful coming-of-age adventure” but acknowledges its “frantically paced” narrative.
Similarly, Screengrab criticises pacing and character development but acknowledges the distraction provided by the “top-notch animation.”
Social media users with access to the show call it an “instant classic” and “authentic.”
While the series receives positive global reviews, some Nigerians express frustration as Disney+ is not available in their country.
Disney responds by announcing that Nigerians with DSTV subscriptions can watch Iwájú on the Disney Channel starting in late April and early May.
Australian news outlet ABC praises Iwájú for being “uniquely African” yet universally appealing, while Mashable describes the show as “gorgeous” with covetable gadgets.
Nigeria’s Culture Minister hails the series as a monumental moment, asserting, “This is huge for Nigeria because at last, we now have our own stories being told from our own perspective.”
Kugali co-founder Hamid Ibrahim, who once vowed to compete with Disney in the African market, reflects on their collaboration in a documentary.
He hopes Iwájú will inspire the next generation of artists and bring about meaningful change.
The Guardian’s review notes that Iwájú taps into Afrofuturism, presenting a “solid sense of Nigerian identity.”
However, it assures viewers outside Nigeria that universal themes like self-identity, family, and independence make the series relatable regardless of cultural background.
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