Step into a World of Wonder: Meet the Characters of Disney Animation’s Iwájú!

February 26, 2024

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In a scene from the show Iwájú set in Lagos, Nigeria, children Tola and Kole are running through an outdoor market. Tola wears an orange T-shirt with purple overalls, while Kole dons a yellow T-shirt with orange, brown, and green detailing, paired with green cargo shorts, sandals, and a black fanny pack adorned with neon blue strips. Accompanying them is Otin, a purple and orange robotic pet lizard. In the backdrop, towering buildings loom over hovering vehicles. — #image_title

What happens when Walt Disney Animation Studios teams up with Kugali Media? You get Iwájú, a visually stunning animated series set in futuristic Lagos, Nigeria. Premiering February 28, 2024, on Disney+, this groundbreaking project explores class, culture, and technology through the eyes of Tola and Kole, two friends from different worlds.

A Unique Collaboration Between Disney and Kugali

For the first time, Disney Animation partnered with an African entertainment company, Kugali Media, to create a story that reflects the energy and innovation of Lagos. Unlike traditional sci-fi, Iwájú draws inspiration from real-world advancements rather than relying on futuristic tropes like flying cars.

Production designer Hamid Ibrahim describes Lagos as a place where “if someone wants to make something happen, it will happen.” That drive for innovation is at the core of Iwájú, blending cultural authenticity with groundbreaking animation techniques.

Meet the Iwájú Characters

Tola Martins (Voiced by Simisola Gbadamosi)

In a scene from the show Iwájú, Tola sits inside a flying car, gazing out of the window. Her hands rest on the window ledge as she observes another airborne vehicle in the sky with wonder. Tola wears a pink smartwatch and a vibrant blue and purple dress adorned with colorful detailing.

A curious and ambitious 10-year-old, Tola dreams of making a difference. She questions the world around her and stands up for what she believes in.

Kole Adesola (Voiced by Siji Soetan)

Tola’s closest friend, Kole works as a gardener in her home. With a brilliant mind for technology, he uses his skills to help his family and explore new opportunities.

Tunde Martins (Voiced by Dayo Okeniyi)

Tola’s father is a tech executive who develops robotic security protectors. He is deeply involved in his work, often struggling to balance it with his personal life.

Bode DeSousa (Voiced by Femi Branch)

Standing seven feet tall, Bode is a powerful and cunning leader. He operates a criminal syndicate, convincing himself that he is helping the less fortunate.

Otin (Voiced by Weruche Opia)

Otin is a robotic pet lizard that Tunde gifts to Tola. Initially built for security, Otin evolves into a self-aware companion with a mind of her own.

In a scene from the show Iwájú, Otin, Tola’s robotic pet lizard, is perched on a desk, manipulating the buttons of a device that activates a purple holographic screen displaying various metrics of Otin’s programming. Otin is predominantly purple with orange accents. In the background, the office window reveals a glimpse of Tola’s backyard, filled with green-leaved plants.

This visually stunning series premieres exclusively on Disney+ on February 28, 2024. Get ready to step into a world where technology and tradition collide in the heart of Lagos.

➡️ For more details, visit D23: Official D23 Article

Step into a World of Wonder: Meet the Characters of Disney Animation’s Iwájú!