Animated shows come in all styles and from all corners of the world. There’s Western animation, which gave us Ben 10 and The Jungle Book, and Japanese anime, which brought us hits like Jujutsu Kaisen and Bleach.
But what about Nigerian animation? We may not have a huge catalogue yet, but the few that exist are seriously worth checking out. From futuristic Lagos to legendary folklore, here are four homegrown animations you should definitely add to your watchlist.
Lady Buckit and the Motley Mopsters
Released in 2020 and produced by Hot Ticket Productions, Lady Buckit and the Motley Mopsters holds the distinction of being Nigeria’s first feature-length animated film. It follows a precocious young girl named Bukky who, after her parents’ bakery is shut down, accidentally finds herself in the body of a bucket. She teams up with a group of eccentric characters called the Motley Mopsters, and together they embark on a journey of self-discovery.
The film was made entirely in Nigeria, with local talent handling everything from the voice acting to the animation, and stars Jessica Edwards, Patrick Doyle, Kalu Ikeagwu, and Bimbo Akintola. It stands out as one of the most impressive Nigerian animated movies ever made.
Iyanu
Iyanu is an American-made fantasy series inspired by Yoruba mythology. It follows a teenage orphan who discovers she possesses powers that rival those of ancient gods. As she uncovers the truth about her past, she’s drawn into a battle between good and evil that will determine the fate of her world.
Produced by creator and showrunner Roye Okupe’s YouNeek Studios and Lion Forge Animation in partnership with Cartoon Network and Max, the series is deeply rooted in Nigerian storytelling and symbolism. Though American-made, its creator and much of its cast—including Adesua Etomi-Wellington and Blossom Chukwujekwu—are Nigerian, as are its story and characters.
It currently has two seasons.
Moremi (Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire)
Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire is a sci-fi anthology featuring ten Afrofuturist episodes from across Africa. One of them, Moremi—inspired by the legend of Queen Moremi and directed by Shofela Coker—follows a spirit boy named Luo who is rescued by Moremi, a Nigerian scientist from the future voiced by Kehinde Bankole.
She brings Luo to the safety of her lab to protect him from the giants pursuing him and tries to help him recover his lost memories. It’s a creative retelling of a legendary tale through a futuristic lens, showing just how naturally African folklore lends itself to the sci-fi genre.
The anthology is a collaboration between Triggerfish Animation Studios and Disney.
Iwájú
Iwájú is a futuristic coming-of-age story set in Lagos, imagining a city divided by wealth and technology. It follows Tola, a curious girl from the affluent island, and Kole, her friend from the mainland, as they navigate a world of flying cars, class divides, and hidden secrets.
A collaboration between Disney and Lagos-based Kugali Media, Iwájú features an all-Nigerian cast, including Dayo Okeniyi, Bisola Aiyeola, and Ireti Doyle. It’s a vibrant, imaginative story that makes for a genuinely good watch.
