Iwájú

Hello Friends!

Time for a show recommendation… I finally got a chance to watch Iwájú with my son and I think everyone else should watch it too.☺️The series was released in February of 2024 so, I am a bit late…but better late than never.

Iwájú is a futuristic animated series set in Lagos, Nigeria. Iwájú means “in the future” in Yoruba, so the title is quite fitting.

Disney and Kugali Media did an absolutely amazing job maintaining accurate representation of Nigerians. They nailed the Pidgin English, the accent, clothes, hair texture, puff-puff and plantain chips….just to name a few! It was evident that they received appropriate cultural consultation. (I’m itching to list movies that fell short on accurate cultural representation. However, I won’t indulge because we are keeping things positive in this space.☺️)

The storyline was delightfully engaging. Being invested in the characters is always a good indication of a good storyline. The futuristic details were appropriate for the environmental setting and amazingly creative. The hairstyle machine was my favorite part of the introductory episode. A machine that lets you pick a hairstyle and completes it expeditiously?? What a dream!

This show got me thinking about how various cultural representations in the entertainment industry can be enriching particularly for children. When it’s done well, it can have a positive impact on how children view themselves and the world.

So…if you haven’t watched Iwájú , I highly recommend it. There are six episodes and it was difficult not to binge it all in one sitting. I hope Disney and Kugali Media release a second season!

Love always,