A week before its U.S. premiere on the Cartoon Network, “Iyanu” creator and showrunner Roye Okupe referred to himself as “the luckiest guy in the world.”
The gratitude stemmed from being able to have an animated series reflect his African roots – and have it produced by one of the world’s leading Black-owned animation studios, Lion Forge Entertainment.
Upon its releases on Max and Cartoon Network in April, “Iyanu” ranked as the number one kids series on Cartoon Network and a Top 10 Kids & Family series on Max. The success led Cartoon Network and Max to greenlight season two – and two feature films.
Two months later, Okupe’s “Iyanu” blessings continue. Released across 44 countries in Africa on June 13, “Iyanu” surpassed international children’s series “Knuckles” among youth viewership. In doing so, the series became the top rated children’s show in Africa, less than a week after its premiere on Showmax.
“‘Iyanu’ is a story deeply rooted in Yoruba history, culture, and mythology—and that cultural authenticity is something we’re incredibly proud of,” said Okupe, who also serves as an executive producer. “But as I always say, ‘Iyanu’ is for everyone – kids, adults, and families from all walks of life.”
The 10-episode series, adapted from Roye Okupe’s acclaimed graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder, is set in Elu, the last surviving city in a magical version of Yorubaland. Against this backdrop, Iyanu – a young orphan living in isolation with her guardian Olori – embarks on a quest to uncover her origins and harness the magical powers that mark her as The Chosen. Over the course of the season, Iyanu activates her divine powers and is relentless in her efforts to save her community.
Two years, five continents, hundreds of people working thousands of hours was what it took to bring Okupe’s graphic novel series “Iyanu: Child of Wonder” from the page to the screen.
“Iyanu” features an all-Nigerian voice cast, including Okey Jude, Samuel Kugbiyi, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Stella Damasus, Shaffy Bello, and more.
“I grew up watching cartoons and even now as an adult I love watching cartoons,” said Serah Johnson, who voices Iyanu. “But I never got to see people like me – with our food and our culture and wearing our kinds of clothes. Being the voice behind that is so surreal. I get goosebumps just talking about it.”
The show is gearing up for its UK release on July 3 through ITVX.
“I can’t wait for audiences in the UK to experience the magic and wonder of ‘Iyanu,” Okupe said. “A series that’s already capturing hearts around the world.”
“Iyanu” is also executive produced by David Steward II, Stephanie Sperber, Kirsten Newlands and Matt Heath of Lion Forge Entertainment, Roye Okupe of YouNeek Studios, Erica Dupuis of Impact X Capital, Ryan Haidarian of Forefront Media Group and Doug Schwalbe of Superprod.
“This premiere marks a major step in the franchise’s global journey and ITV has been an incredible partner in helping us bring this culturally rich, action-packed story to even more viewers,” said Lion Forge Entertainment Founder and CEO David Steward II. “We’re confident ‘Iyanu’ will connect deeply with UK audiences looking for bold, original storytelling.”
For more information on “Iyanu,” visit www.iyanutheseries.com.
Living It content is produced with funding by the ARPA for the Arts grants program in partnership with the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis and the Community Development Administration.
