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5 Best Animated Movies in AfricaPixar, Disney, and Dreamworks- you probably have watched at least one featured movie from these animation powerhouses. Perhaps, you have seen The Lion King, Tarzan, and Madagascar…yes, these movie animations have one thing in common -their setting was the wonderful wilderness of Africa.

But there’s more to this rich continent than savannas and safaris.

Indeed, as an emerging animation hub, the African animation industry offers aspiring 3D animators exciting opportunities. Over the past ten years, animated movies from Africa have been gaining recognition and celebration across the region.

Little by little, African animation studios are recognized all over the world, their animators are sought after for their skills and endless pursuit to be the best. Not an easy task though.

Despite the many constraints, African animation is hoisted to successfully conquer the world of featured films. Here is a taste of the irresistible servings of the 5 best animation movies of Africa:

Best Animated Movies in Africa

Lady Buckit and the Motley Mopsters

Simply known as LBMM of Hot Ticket Productions, Winner of the 2021 Africa Movie Academy Awards.

This pre-pandemic animation is the first feature-length 3D animated movie from Nigerian Cinematic, dubbed as Nollywood.

Since its debut in Lekki, Lagos in December 2020, it has stirred the African animation movies industry and has been under the scrutiny and reviews of critics and fans alike.

LBBMLBMM is a feel-good, family-oriented movie that follows the tale of an inquisitive, precocious young girl, Bukky, in a series of adventures in an unfamiliar territory, where she met strange characters.

Queen Malika: Warrior Queen

Thanks to YouTube, I was able to watch this next-on-the-list animated film with no hassle at all. A 15- minute short animated movie published by Youneek Studios. To date, it has more than 700K views since its release two years ago.

Queen Malika was inspired by the story of a warrior queen, Queen Amina, a 16th Century ruler who reigned over parts of Northwest Nigeria. An exceptional leader whose struggles revolve around keeping her kingdom intact and safe from enemies in the fifteenth century.

MalikaOne of the film’s major achievements was when it emerged as the winner in Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards for the best animated short movie category last July 2019.

Fans worldwide are eagerly waiting for the sequel of this short animated African movie.

Zambesia

About a decade ago (2012), the first animated movie from Africa’s leading animation studio, Triggerfish Animation Studios, was released by Cinema Management Group and Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Samuel L. Jackson, Jeff Goldblum is some of the voices of this successful and award-winning animated film, about the story of a young falcon named Kai.

Zambesia

Despite the restrictions from his father Tendai (Samuel L. Jackson), Kai discovers himself as he finds out the importance of family, friendship, and teamwork to solve whatever problems that arise.

Some of its recognition were: Best South African Feature Film in 2012 Durban International Film Festival and the Best Animation at the 9th Africa Movie Academy Awards.

Mark of Uru

Released when African animation movies weren’t as much it is today, this film touched the worldwide issue of discrimination, of acceptance for one’s being.

Azuka was born with a peculiar birthmark, the cause of her tribulations. Despite her mother’s effort to conceal it, she did not succeed. Azuka must find ways to free herself from the imminent danger posed by some patches on her skin.

Mark of UruA first of its own, this web-based animated series was released in 2009 and continued to be watched by viewers worldwide. Despite its limitations, still, this movie has shown what a great culture and folklore could become when combined with computer graphics and animation.

Produced by Mayhem Productions.

The Passport of Mallam Ilia

This last but not least item on our list has not been fully released yet. But I believed it is worth waiting for and worth a spot on our 5 best-animated movies in Africa.

Alright, there might be some bias here but I just can’t help it. Perhaps because the film is based on a popular African novel by Cyprian Ekwensi , maybe because it features the universal theme of love, vengeance, and conquest or it could be that I found its teaser incredibly amazing…

I could not pinpoint the exact reason though, but this featured film from Magic Carpet Studios is something that we could look forward to and deserved a slot here.

A truly ingenious manner to bridge the older books generation with the digital youth of today through the art of animation.

FAQs: Animated Movies in Africa and Aspiring 3D Animators

Q: What is the African animation industry like today?
A: The African animation industry is rapidly growing and gaining global recognition 🌍. With studios emerging across the continent, African animators are producing high-quality content that showcases the continent’s unique cultures and stories. Animated movies in Africa, such as Lady Buckit and the Motley Mopsters and Zambesia, have helped put African animation on the global map 🎬.

Q: What are some of the best animated movies in Africa to watch?
A: Some of the top animated movies in Africa include Lady Buckit and the Motley Mopsters (Nigeria), Queen Malika: Warrior Queen (Nigeria), Zambesia (South Africa), Mark of Uru (Nigeria), and The Passport of Mallam Ilia (upcoming) 🌟. These films tell powerful stories rooted in African culture and history.

Q: How can I get involved in the African animation industry?
A: If you’re an aspiring 3D animator in Africa, platforms like CGAfrica are excellent resources to get started 🚀. You can join animation competitions, connect with fellow animators, learn new skills, and showcase your work. Additionally, there are growing opportunities in African animation studios where you can apply your skills and contribute to major projects.

Q: Is there a demand for 3D animators in Africa?
A: Yes, the demand for skilled 3D animators is on the rise as more African studios emerge and animated movies gain international attention 🔥. Animation companies are looking for talent to bring African stories to life and meet the growing demand for animated content from Africa.

Q: What makes African animation unique?
A: African animation is unique because it blends modern animation techniques with African cultural elements, folklore, and storytelling traditions 🌈. Animated movies in Africa offer a fresh perspective, bringing new stories to a global audience that reflect the continent’s diverse cultures, values, and experiences.

Q: How does African animation compete with major studios like Pixar or DreamWorks?
A: While African animation studios may not have the same budgets as major studios like Pixar or DreamWorks, they are producing high-quality content that resonates globally 🎉. African animators bring originality and cultural depth to their work, offering a fresh take on animation with stories that are both universal and distinctly African.

Q: Are there any animation competitions or festivals in Africa?
A: Yes, there are several animation competitions and film festivals in Africa where animators can showcase their work 🎥. Events like the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) and the Durban International Film Festival often include categories for animation, providing African animators with a platform to be recognised.

Q: What software should I learn to become a 3D animator?
A: Aspiring 3D animators should become proficient in industry-standard software such as Blender, Maya, and Cinema 4D 💻. These tools are widely used in the animation industry, both in Africa and globally, and will help you create professional-quality animations.

Q: How do African animators tell stories that appeal to global audiences?
A: African animators combine universal themes like love, family, friendship, and unity with distinct African cultural elements ❤️. By doing so, they create animated movies in Africa that resonate with global audiences while also providing a unique African perspective.

Join us today at CGAfrica

Stay up-to-date with the latest competitions in African animation! Africa has so much to offer, and the growing animation industry is proving it can compete with the best in the world while staying true to its roots. If you’re an aspiring 3D animator in Africa, CGAfrica is your platform to shine!

African animated films are reaching audiences across the globe, showcasing the continent’s rich culture. These films share powerful stories about love, family, friendship, and unity—messages that everyone can relate to.

There’s no better way to share the African way of life than through animation created by African animators. At CGAfrica, we’re here to help you take your skills to the next level, connect with others, and bring your unique ideas to life!

What’s your favourite African animated film? Share your thoughts in the comments below!