Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africanews
Published on 2024-02-27 19:15:16
Founded by Hamid Ibrahim, Kugali, an African entertainment company, made headlines when Ibrahim claimed in a press interview that his business would “kick Disney’s ass.” Little did he know that this bold statement would lead to a collaboration with the media giant.
Reflecting on his initial comments, Ibrahim admits, “After the interview when I went home I was like, ‘I shouldn’t have worded it like that, I should have been a bit nicer with the way I worded it,’ but thank God I did not word it nicer.” It was this audacious claim that caught the attention of Disney, leading to a partnership between Kugali and the global entertainment powerhouse.
The result of this collaboration is “Iwájú,” a show set in a futuristic Nigeria that addresses important themes such as pay disparity. While the series serves as a tribute to Lagos, it also sheds light on the city’s challenges and realities. Director Ziki Nelson emphasizes the importance of portraying both the positive and negative aspects of modern-day Lagos in the show.
Creating an African story in partnership with an American company presented its own set of challenges. Nelson acknowledges the clashes of culture and differences of opinion that arose during the storytelling process but believes that the unique perspectives of both Disney and Kugali enriched the final product. “Iwájú” stands as a testament to the strengths that each party brought to the table.
Marlon West, the visual effects supervisor for “Iwájú,” known for his work on Disney classics like “The Lion King,” “Frozen,” and “Moana,” was drawn to the project by its innovative approach. The blend of science fiction, African setting, crime narrative, and Afrobeat music intrigued West, making it a project he knew he had to be a part of.
As Disney’s first African story, “Iwájú” holds significant cultural importance. Toluwalakin Olowofoyeku, the show’s cultural consultant, emphasizes the impact of diverse representation in media on children’s imaginations and perspectives. By exposing young audiences to different cultures and storytelling styles, “Iwájú” aims to inspire creativity and curiosity.
“Iwájú” is set to premiere on Disney+ on February 28, 2024, marking a milestone in Disney’s storytelling journey. Through this collaboration, Disney and Kugali have brought to life a unique and culturally rich narrative that promises to captivate audiences around the world.
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