Movies
” Iyanu” Nigerian Superhero Animation Now on Showmax
Iyanu, adapted from the popular graphic novel Iyanu: Child of Wonder by Nigerian creator Roye Okupe, is now streaming across Africa on Showmax.
First released in April 2025 on Cartoon Network in the US, the series quickly topped the platform’s charts and entered the top 10 kids and family titles on Max.
Set in a reimagined Yorubaland, the animated series Iyanu follows a young orphan who discovers she has divine powers. When a dark force begins to threaten her kingdom, she joins forces with her adventurous friend Biyi, studious Toye, and a magical leopard called Ekun to uncover ancient secrets and confront rising evil.
Voiced entirely by Nigerian talent, the cast features:
- Serah Johnson as Iyanu
- Okey Jude as Biyi
- Samuel Kugbiyi as Toye
- Adesua Etomi-Wellington
- Blossom Chukwujekwu
- Stella Damasus
- Shaffy Bello
- Ike Ononye
The project is produced by YouNeek Studios and published by Dark Horse Comics, known for works like The Umbrella Academy and Hellboy.
Creator Roye Okupe reflected on the journey:
“I grew up in Lagos watching superhero stories on DStv. Seeing Iyanu now launching across 44 African countries is a full-circle moment.”
Screen Rant has described Iyanu as a “Last Airbender and Black Panther hybrid”, noting its mix of African folklore and modern heroics. With high-quality animation and culturally rooted storytelling, the show positions itself as a significant addition to the global animation space.
All episodes of Iyanu are now available to binge on Showmax from Friday, 13 June 2025.
Clarissa Weber
July 8, 2025 at 3:16 am
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