Before his daughter was born, Nigerian filmmaker Roye Okupe envisioned a character who could be a beacon of cultural pride and empowerment. This vision gave rise to “Iyanu: Child of Wonder,” first brought to life as a graphic novel and now reimagined as an animated children’s series. Okupe wanted to create a show that would not only entertain his daughter but also connect her—and children around the world—to their heritage. “What is a show I’d want her to watch—something that entertains but also inspires through culture?” Okupe asked himself. That question became the foundation for Iyanu’s story.
“Iyanu: Child of Wonder” premieres Saturday on Cartoon Network and will stream Sunday on Max. The series, produced by Black-owned Lion Forge Animation, is voiced entirely by a Nigerian cast. It unfolds in a rich fantasy world inspired by the Yoruba people of Nigeria. At its heart is Iyanu, a courageous teenage girl who, despite being orphaned, discovers she is destined for greatness. Gifted with mystical powers, she embarks on a heroic quest to save her homeland from dark forces threatening its future.
The story draws deeply from African mythology, offering a rare and vibrant perspective often missing in mainstream media. Lion Forge CEO Dave Steward II emphasized the importance of this representation, highlighting how global entertainment often focuses on Roman, Norse, or Greek myths while overlooking African lore. “This is one of the first times you’re seeing African mythology take center stage in a mainstream animated show,” he said, calling it a sign of growing global interest in African narratives.
Voice actor Sam Kugbiyi, who brings the character Toye to life, noted how special it is to witness such cultural specificity in animation. “We’ve had Black characters in cartoons before, but to see a story told so authentically and rooted in Nigerian culture—it’s amazing. This is historic,” he said.
“Iyanu: Child of Wonder” stands as more than just a series; it’s a celebration of identity, storytelling, and cultural pride. For Okupe, it’s a dream realized—one that connects generations through the power of myth and imagination, and offers children a hero who looks like them, speaks their language, and shares their history.
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