Entertainment
“Iwájú” Series one of a kind Collab of Walt Disney Animation Studios & Pan-African Entertainment Company Kugali
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ collaboration with Pan-African entertainment company Kugali has culminated in the all-new six-part series “Iwájú,” streams exclusively on Disney+ beginning Feb. 28, 2024. Images are now available.
Crafting the narrative of ‘Iwájú’ has been a journey of creative alchemy, blending the rich cultural tapestry of Lagos with imaginative leaps into the future
Note: While the series debuts on Feb. 28 in the US, release timing and distribution platform for select regions, including Nigeria, will be announced shortly.
“Iwájú” is an original animated series set in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria. The exciting coming-of-age story follows Tola, a young girl from a wealthy island, and her best friend, Kole, a self-taught tech expert, as they discover the secrets and dangers hidden in their different worlds.
Kugali filmmakers—including director Olufikayo Ziki Adeola, production designer Hamid Ibrahim, and cultural consultant Toluwalakin Olowofoyeku—take viewers on a unique journey into the world of “Iwájú,” bursting with unique visual elements and technological advancements inspired by the spirit of Lagos.
The series is produced by Disney Animation’s Christina Chen with a screenplay by Adeola and Halima Hudson. “Iwájú” features the voices of Simisola Gbadamosi, and Dayo Okeniyi, Femi Branch, Siji Soetan, and Weruche Opia.
Said Adeola, “Crafting the narrative of ‘Iwájú’ has been a journey of creative alchemy, blending the rich cultural tapestry of Lagos with imaginative leaps into the future. Collaborating with my Kugali co-founders and the visionary artists at Walt Disney Animation Studios has been nothing short of magical. The heartbeat of my hometown resonates through every scene, and I am thrilled for the world to experience this unique fusion of tradition and futurism.”
Also debuting Feb. 28 on Disney+ is “Iwájú: A Day Ahead,” a documentary special filmed across three continents that shares the story of the founders of the Pan-African entertainment company, Kugali, who made their dream a reality creating an original animation series with Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Created by the ABC News Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios team that brought you “Into the Unknown: Making Frozen 2,” the documentary shows anything is possible when talent meets opportunity. “Iwájú: A Day Ahead” is directed by Megan Harding and executive produced by Amy Astley and Beth Hoppe.
Punchline Comedy Club, in collaboration with Gilbeys Gin, recently presented the inaugural ‘Winedown Wednesday’ comedy show at The Two Grapes Bar & Restaurant in Kilimani on January 17th. This event marks the commencement of a series of comedy nights orchestrated by Punchline Comedy Club at various locations throughout Nairobi. The evening commenced with a measured pace, allowing attendees to indulge in the delectable Gilbeys gin cocktails and appetizing bites, accompanied by introductory remarks from Eric Lu Sava, the Founder of Punchline Comedy Club.
Designed to cater to diverse audiences, including friends, families, and colleagues, these comedy nights promise an abundance of laughter and excitement. Performances by comedians from varied backgrounds engage the audience with thoughtfully placed and well-articulated jokes. Punchline Comedy Club is dedicated to supporting emerging local comedic talents, providing them with a platform to cultivate both their audience and skills.
Zipporah Ndung’u, the Brand Manager for Gilbeys at EABL, emphasized that the collaboration extends beyond comedy, aiming to deliver unforgettable experiences. The evenings blend the smooth taste of Gilbeys Gin with the comedic prowess of the performers. She commended Punchline for their steadfast commitment to infusing laughter and joy into the lively city of Nairobi.
Zipporah Ndung’u remarked, “This partnership is a celebration of laughter, joy, and the spirit of festivity. We look forward to the shared moments our comedy nights will bring. Here’s to a partnership that promises to be as smooth and enjoyable as a sip of Gilbeys Gin.”
The comedy nights and activations lined up by Gilbey’s and Punchline include a weekly Wednesday comedy show at Two Grapes dubbed ‘Winedown Wednesday’, a weekly Thursday comedy show dubbed ‘One Mic Stand’ and a Friday activation at the Cavalli Restaurant and Bar. There will be a final ticketed comedy special dubbed ‘Yo Mama’ on February 10th at the Mama Rocks Restaurant, Karen.
The collaboration underscores Gilbeys Gin’s dedication to supporting young talents by investing in programs nationwide. This commitment stems from a belief in nurturing and developing the creative industry by providing opportunities and fostering talent.
Eric Lu Sava, Founder of Punchline Comedy Club, underscored the significance of comedy, highlighting the abundant talent in stand-up comedy in Kenya and Africa. He asserted that stand-up comedy is poised to become the next major cultural phenomenon, with talent readily available; the next step is the cultivation and expansion of the market.
Showmax unveils robust content slate ahead of its February relaunch
Kenyan animation pioneer Kwame Nyong’o serves as the casting director and one of the executive producers of Twende, the first-ever Showmax Original 2D animated series, set to premiere on 1 December 2023.
The series is based in the vibrant fictional East African city of Milima and follows the journey of a boda-boda-driving pangolin who believes that “Life is about the journey, not the destination,” a philosophy that often clashes with his job.
Kwame has always harboured a passion for animation and the creation of positive, culturally-rich stories that resonate with African audiences.
This passion is evident in his children’s books, which feature African children and use African food as a conduit for cultural exchange, as well as his award-winning short film, The Legend of Lwanda Magere, which delves into the story of a renowned Luo warrior and his extraordinary abilities.
In an interview, Kwame expressed his excitement about the breakthrough that Twende represents for African animation and the process of selecting the right Kenyan voice cast to convey a uniquely African narrative that can be enjoyed by audiences globally.
He also shared his personal journey with animation, highlighting his interest in the art form since his university days and his eventual involvement in Twende after meeting co-creator Mike Scott at the UNESCO Africa Animated! project.
When asked about the voice casting process, Kwame described it as an exhilarating and enjoyable experience, expressing gratitude for the exceptional all-Kenyan voice talent that contributed to the show.
He also discussed the significance of the lead actors, Junior Nyong’o and June Gachui, and how their existing friendship added an authentic dynamic to their performances as the characters Twende and Nuru.
Kwame emphasized that Twende’s appeal lies not only in its high-quality animation but also in its portrayal of a local story that resonates with African audiences, featuring East African talent and showcasing unique animal characters uncommon in traditional children’s cartoons.
As a parent, he expressed his excitement about sharing the series with his children and witnessing their enthusiasm for the Swahili language and East African references depicted in the show.
Regarding the show’s target audience, Kwame highlighted the team’s efforts to strike a balance that appeals to both children and adults, aiming to create a world, themes, and dialogue accessible to a wider demographic. He expressed hope that Twende would contribute to the growth of the animation industry in Kenya and break boundaries to reach a global audience.
Ultimately, Kwame aspires for African audiences to recognize the value of their own stories and to appreciate the relevance and richness of narratives that reflect their experiences, emphasizing that African stories are as compelling as any foreign counterparts, if not more so.
Ugandan Sensation Vinka Named Spotify’s EQUAL Africa Ambassador
Spotify has announced that the talented Ugandan artist, Vinka, has been chosen as the EQUAL Africa Ambassador for the month of October.
EQUAL Africa, an initiative by Spotify, aims to tackle gender inequality in the music industry by showcasing and amplifying the voices of female artists from across the continent. Vinka joins an impressive lineup of musicians including Makhadzi, Maandy, and Xenia Manasse, among others.
Vinka’s journey into music began with the influence of artists like Awilo Longomba and Koffi Olomide, whose music played a significant role in her upbringing. Starting off as a dancer, she eventually transitioned into artist management before embarking on her own music career.
Since then, Vinka has achieved great success, consistently delivering hit after hit. Songs like “Malaika” and “Thank God” perfectly showcase her artistic abilities.
What sets Vinka apart is her dedication to her craft and her fans. In 2019, she embarked on a campaign to release a new single every first Friday of the month, demonstrating her commitment to her music.
Vinka refuses to be confined to a single genre, exploring dancehall and various African sounds. She describes her music as catchy, with a unique voice, tone, and vibe.
“Vinka is a shining example of Uganda’s vibrant and thriving music industry. She is a female artist who is revolutionizing the music scene with her unconventional and innovative marketing techniques,” says Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu.
When asked about her advice for aspiring young artists, Vinka emphasizes the importance of self-belief, focus, and perseverance. She encourages artists to invest their time and effort to make their dreams a reality.
Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) through its flagship brand Kenya Cane hosted The Greats’ Fest cultural trail in Kitui this Saturday 12th August. The Kitui showdown featured live performances by performing artiste Simply Yaba, and Kitui’s finest Karanga Lazima with DJ Mwavos and MC Joe Joe at Password Lounge, Kitui.
MC Joe Joe warmed up the crowd to electric mixes by DJ Mwavos and MC Tarrus before local sensation Karanga Lazima took the stage and gave an electric performance before handing the spotlight to Rhumbacane maestro Yaba who gave an energized performance and later tag teamed with Savara and the duo kept revelers on their feet.
The highlight of the evening was an award ceremony for the two winners selected from Kenya Cane’s Greats Toast Twice campaign activation on Mbaitu FM and the brand’s official pages on social media.
The brand recognized and rewarded Elizabeth Wambua and Herbert Malack selected from the brand’s activation to find Kenyans working towards their Greatness.
The Kenya Cane Greats Toast Twice campaign platform creates opportunities for consumers to celebrate the small wins and achievements that bring them closer to their ambitions and inspire them to continue moving forward.
“The Kenya Cane Great Fest experiences are curated to showcase and celebrate our rich and diverse cultural heritage. We’re here today to showcase what makes Kitui great and give our consumers in Kitui an authentic Kenya Cane experience. We will be hosting similar experiences across the country,” said Davis Changalwa, Brand Manager, Kenya Cane.
“The Greats’ Fest” cultural extravaganza has previously been held in Nakuru, Thika, Kisumu, and Mombasa, offering consumers a cultural blend of great Kenyan music and food paired with a legendary Kenyan spirit and featuring great local talent.
As part of its Greats Toast Twice campaign the brand is partnering with Grammy-acclaimed artist Savara Mudigi, Coster Ojwang’, Simply Yaba, Akoth Jumadi and Zaituni Wambui, and intends to work with more artistes through the cultural extravaganza that will be taking place in various regions across the country to create opportunities to celebrate our rich cultural Kenyan heritage.
Since its foundation in 1976, Kenya Cane has had a rich heritage interwoven with the history of the Kenyan nation.
A beverage proudly made in Kenya by Kenyans that has not only embedded itself in many significant memories but also a marker of our experiences. Kenya cane is available in various variants KC Smooth, KC Coconut, KC Pineapple, and KC Citrus Fusion.
Please drink responsibly. Alcohol is not for sale to persons under the age of 18yrs.