All-Nigerian Voice Cast For Animated Superhero Series “Iyanu” on Cartoon Network and Max

Cartoon Network and Max has announced an all-Nigerian voice cast for the upcoming epic superhero animated series Iyanu. The show has been described to be “steeped” in Nigerian culture and mythology.

Iyanu is the animated adaptation of the Dark Horse Comics/YouNeed Stuidios’ graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder from award-winning Nigerian creator and producer Roye Okupe. The show has been produced by Lion Forge Entertainment.

The lead character Iyanu will be voiced by Serah Johnson. The teenage heroine will be tasked with uncovering the mystery behind her new powers to save her community from an ancient curse. 

Johnson is the first Nigerian and African to win the Society of Voice Arts Award (SOVAS) for Outstanding Animation Character – Film or TV – Best African VoiceOver for her work on Moji.

The rest of the cast includes City People Award winner for Fast Rising Male Actor Okey Jude (Hotel Labamba, The Governor’s Daughter) as Biyi, Iyanu’s carefree adventurer friend.

Samuel Kugbiyi (Tafiya Lafiya: The Journey) will play Iyanu’s bookworm friend Toye.

African Movie Academy Awards winner and Nollywood actress Adesua Etomi-Wellington (King of Boys, Gangs of Lagos) will voice Olori. Toye’s father Kanfo will be voiced by Nollywood’s foremost leading men Blossom Chukwujekwu (Falling, Stolen Lives).

Nigerian- born entertainer and author of Màmá, It’s A Girl Stella Damasus (Gone) is set to play Sewa. Shaffy Bello (The Score, Battleground) will voice Emi – The One Mother. Esteemed actor Ike Ononye (Doc Martin, The Lovers) is Elder Alapani.

As for what to expect from the animated series, the tale is set in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland, which draws from Nigerian culture, music, and mythology (diving deep into the rich tapestry of Yoruba people). You will follow Iyanu, a teen orphan girl, who spends her days studying history and ancient arts but yearns for a normal life.

While responding to danger, she triggers her divine powers, the likes of which have not been seen since the Age of Wonders. This leads to Iyanu joining forces with two other teens, Biyi and Toye, as they embark on a journey to discover the truth about the evil lurking in her homeland.

Iyanu is slated for release in the US on Cartoon Network and Max sometime in 2025. The show has a 26-episode, two season order.

Brandon Easton (Transformers: War for Cybertron: Seige, Marvel’s Agent Carter) headed the writers’ room, with Roye Okupe serving as the executive producer, writer, and director on multiple episodes.

The show’s Executive producers are David Steward II and Matt Heath from Lion Forge Entertainment, Erica Dupuis of Impact X Capital, Ryan Haidarian of Forefront Media Group, and Doug Schwalbe.

I know it’s still a bit of a wait, but I’m definitely excited about Iyanu and I’m looking forward to getting an actual trailer.

What about you?

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(via Press Release)

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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