It’s Afrofuturism at its finest as the highly anticipated animated series Iyanu, by the award-winning Nigerian filmmaker and author, Roye Okupe, makes explosive leap from comic book pages to screens, bringing with it a storm of action, culture, and heroism that is already captivating audiences across the world.
 
The official trailer, which was released not long ago, created buzz and gave the audience a glimpse into the captivating story based on Yoruba culture and mythology. The groundbreaking Pan-African superhero series, which is adapted from Okupe’s graphic novel series, Iyanu: Child of Wonder, is a refreshing reminder of the richness of Yoruba heritage, retold in a way that excites both children and adults alike.
 
The series is already making waves globally as the No. 1 series among kids 2-12 on Cartoon Network and a top 10 kids and family series on HBO Max. It’s also been renewed for Season 2 with two feature spin-offs confirmed.
 
With a partnership between Showmax and the series’ executive producers – David Steward II, Stephanie Sperber, Kirsten Newlands, Matt Heath (Lion Forge Entertainment); Roye Okupe (YouNeek Studios); Erica Dupuis (Impact X Capital); Ryan Haidarian (Forefront Media Group); and Doug Schwalbe (Superprod) – 
Iyanu is set to make its African debut. The first season will premiere on Friday, June 13, 2025, and be available to stream across 44 African countries on Showmax.
 
Set in a mystical version of Yorubaland, this 10-episode adventure tells the story of a courageous young female orphan living in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland, who discovers that she has powers unlike anything she could have imagined.
 
The talented all-African voice cast includes Serah Johnson as Iyanu; Okey Jude as Biyi, Iyanu’s carefree adventurer friend; Samuel Kugbiyi as Toye, Iyanu’s bookworm companion; Adesua Etomi-Wellington as Olori; Blossom Chukwujekwu as Kanfo, Toye’s father; Stella Damasus as Sewa; Shaffy Bello as Emi – The One Mother; and Ike Ononye as Elder Alapani.
 
“Iyanu brings Nigerian culture and mythology to life in an exciting and authentic way. We are proud to be the home of its African premiere and can’t wait for audiences across the continent to experience this epic adventure on Showmax,” Dr Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of General Entertainment, MultiChoice said.