IYANU Premieres Saturday, April 5 @ 9:30 AM ET/PT on Cartoon Network. Streaming on Max the following day.
I had the pleasure of interviewing well-known Nigerian actress, singer, and producer Adesua Etomi-Wellington, voice of Olori, and Nigerian-born entertainer and author of “Màmá, It’s A Girl” Stella Damasus, voice of Sewa. Catch us discuss the upcoming Cartoon Network animated series and the importance of culturally-authentic representation.
Iyanu is an animated series created by Lion Forge Entertainment, coming soon to Cartoon Network and Max. The series is based on the graphic novel series from Dark Horse Comics and YouNeek Studios.
IYANU
This epic fantasy superhero series draws from Nigerian culture and mythology, following a teenage orphan who discovers divine powers and embarks on a remarkable journey to save her homeland. We believe “Iyanu” represents an important milestone in animation, bringing authentic African storytelling to global audiences.
Series Logline: Drawing on Nigerian culture, music, and mythology, the series follows Iyanu, a brave young orphan living in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland. While studying history and ancient arts, she yearns for a normal life—until a looming threat awakens divine powers not seen since the legendary Age of Wonders. Accompanied by newfound friends Biyi, Toye, and a magical leopard named Ekun, Iyanu sets out to uncover the source of this evil, unlocking her destiny along the way.
Creative Team:
- Roye Okupe – Creator, Executive Producer, Showrunner, Writer, and Director
- Brandon Easton – Story Editor and Writer
- Kerri Grant – Writer
- Vincent Edwards – Supervising Director
Voice Talent:
- Serah Johnson – Voice of Iyanu
- Okey Jude – Voice of Biyi
- Samuel Kugbiyi – Voice of Toye
- Adesua Etomi-Wellington – Voice of Olori
- Stella Damasus – Voice of Sewa
Production Team:
- Paula Gammon Wilson – Casting Director and Voice Director
- David Steward II – CEO of Lion Forge Entertainment, Executive Producer
- Godwin Akpan – Art Director
Official Trailer:
“Iyanu” season one premieres in the US on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 9:30amET/PT on Cartoon Network and on MAX the following day. The season premieres on Showmax on June 13, 2025 and will also be airing on ITVX in England, Ireland, and Wales later this year.
Interview with ‘IYANU’ Animated Series Creators (MAX/Cartoon Network) Lion Forge Entertainment | San Diego Comic Con 2024
Iyanu on Social Media
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Lion Forge on Social Media
Explore Lion Forge’s world of diverse storytelling. Follow us on social media for the latest updates on all our projects, including Iyanu.
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