Lagos Comic Show Deepens Creative Industry

Is Nigerian comic industry this big? Are there so many talents at this level in the industry? Does it employ so many people like this? These were the questions guests at the Lagos Comic Convention 2024 asked when they stepped into Landmark Convention Centre, the venue of this year’s gathering of talents showcasing Nigerians’ works in animation, voice-over and others.

This edition with the theme, ‘Creative Diversity’ delved into the vibrant world of comics, gaming, and animation. Rub shoulders with top creators with captivating panels and master classes with thousands in attendance from across the country.

At the panel discussion with the topic, Iyanu: Creating The Nigerian Superhero Series For The World, Toyin Ajetunmobi, Godwin Akpan, Serah Johnson, Victor Sanchez Aghahowa and Akinboye Olasunkanmi, discussed how to grow the industry.

Speaking with The Guardian, Head of Production, MultiChoice West Africa, Victor Sanchez Aghahowa, said: “I was at the first comic convention and it’s a pleasure to be back for the 12th edition and it’s getting bigger every year.

“The animation industry in Africa is estimated to hit $18 million in the next 12 years, so, the future of animation in Nigeria is bright. There are lots of resources we need to localize but we have the talents and the manpower, and the technology is just catching up with us.”

When asked what MultiChoice is doing to boost animation in Nigeria, he said: “The biggest thing that should not be taken away from the Iyanu story is the story that is integral to our culture. It tells the story of our gods and their place, power and how our society was and makes it an animation show.”

Also speaking, Director, Tok Studios, Sarah Johnson Garbage, said: “Animation is a growing industry with so much potential in Nigeria. Amazingly, people are now investing in it, and Iyanu is a proof that we are going places.”

Animation is a booming industry in Nigeria, “we have Ajaka Lost in Room, Boy and Trash Can coming up. The projection for the industry is huge because we have the likes of HBO, Lion Forge and Cartoon Network keying into it, they believe it has value so, they are investing in it.

“Now we have representation of kids who look and sound like us. The possibilities in the industry are unlimited.” Comic convention is shining the light on the work of animators and voice actors in Nigeria; it shows that there is a community doing amazing things.