Your First Look at Disney’s Animated Series “Iwájú,” A Futuristic Version of Lagos

Disney animation studios have announced a collaboration with Kugali, a Pan-African entertainment company for the next animated series coming to Disney Plus in 2023, “Iwájú.“

Originally slated for 2022, Disney announced it at its D23 Expo in Anaheim on Friday. A first look at the series shows a futuristic version of Lagos Nigeria, a world of vibrant colours, flying cars and charmingly offbeat creatures that look kind of like frogs, but also lizards. 

First look at 'IWÁJÚ,' a new series from Walt Disney Animation and Kugali.

It is described as a "love letter to Lagos and Nigeria." pic.twitter.com/r0RrPjmtW1

— Disney Animation Promos (@DisneyAPromos) September 10, 2022

The science fiction series, Iwájú (whose title closely translates to “The Future” in Yoruba) is set in Lagos, Nigeria, and explores serious issues of class, innocence, and challenging the status quo.

The series was written and directed by Kugali co-founder Ziki Nelson, and tells the story of two kids, Tola and Kole, who grow up on opposite sides of a city where the rich and the poor are very different. Their friendship is put to the test by Bode, a tech pioneer whose futuristic innovations hide a criminal underworld he rules with an iron fist.

Iwaju the first partnership with Kugali studios coming in 2033 to Disney plus #D23 #d23expo #D23Expo2022 pic.twitter.com/nav5YEejh8

— Jeff Gordon (@jeffgordonla) September 10, 2022

The creative team behind #Iwaju preview their new Disney+ series, which they describe as a “love letter to Lagos, Nigeria” pic.twitter.com/Q49GdBo9Ql

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) September 10, 2022