In the vast landscape of animation, few stories resonate as deeply as those rooted in authenticity and collaboration. Recently, a groundbreaking partnership between Kugali, a pioneering studio in Nigerian animation, and Disney has captured the attention of audiences worldwide. In a candid discussion, the creators of Iwaju shed light on their roles, the challenges they faced, and the triumphs achieved in bringing authentic African stories to life on a global stage.
Watch Video
How Disney Noticed Kugali
The journey began with Kugali’s unwavering dedication to telling authentic African stories. Their passion caught the eye of Disney’s Chief Creative Officer, Jennifer Lee, after a compelling BBC interview discussing their anthology series. This sparked a conversation that revealed a shared goal: to empower diverse storytelling. Kugali’s unique perspective and commitment to cultural representation aligned perfectly with Disney’s vision of inclusivity and global storytelling.
“Here were three talented comic book artists. Their dream was to bring African stories created by African artist to the world, highlighting the diversity of cultures, histories and voices across the continent… “Their talents as storytellers blew us away.” Jennifer Lee, Chief Creative Officer, Disney
Kugali was founded in 2017 by a group of creatives from Nigeria, and it has quickly risen to prominence in the Nigerian animation scene. The studio’s projects aim to reflect the rich tapestry of African culture, making them a natural fit for a collaboration with a global giant like Disney. Their anthology series showcased a variety of African tales, illustrating the depth and diversity of storytelling that exists within the continent.
Empowering Local Talent
Despite technical challenges, the Kugali team remained steadfast in their commitment to showcasing local talent. Recognising the importance of firsthand perspectives in storytelling, efforts were made to involve Lagos-based artists and voices. This deliberate approach not only elevated the authenticity of the project but also showcased Africa’s creative prowess on a global scale.
Kugali’s team actively sought out local animators, writers, and artists, ensuring that the narratives conveyed in Iwaju were rooted in genuine cultural contexts. This initiative empowered local talent and allowed the animation to resonate more deeply with audiences familiar with the intricacies of African culture.
The studio’s commitment to nurturing local talent is essential in a field where representation can significantly impact how stories are received. By providing opportunities for Nigerian creatives to participate in a high-profile project, Kugali is not only contributing to the success of Nigerian animation but also inspiring future generations to explore their own cultural narratives through art.
Global Collaboration
While the creative direction hailed from Africa, the production itself was a collaborative effort spanning continents. Disney Animation’s partnership facilitated access to invaluable resources and expertise, with production carried out by talented teams at Synocyte in Canada. This global collaboration exemplified the power of bridging cultures and leveraging collective strengths.
By working with Disney, Kugali gained insights into industry standards, production techniques, and marketing strategies that are crucial for reaching international audiences. This exchange of knowledge allowed the project to maintain its authentic voice while ensuring it met the expectations of a global market.
Additionally, the collaboration showcased the potential of Nigerian animation on the world stage, proving that African stories can compete with content from established animation powerhouses.
Triumph Amidst Challenges
The journey was not without its hurdles, as sacrifices were made and obstacles were overcome along the way. However, these challenges only fuelled the team’s determination, echoing the resilience of the characters in Iwaju. Their story of triumph serves as an inspiration to aspiring storytellers and artists, proving that with dedication and collaboration, anything is possible.
Throughout the production process, Kugali faced challenges typical in animation, such as tight deadlines and the need for advanced technical skills. Yet, the team embraced these hurdles as opportunities for growth, learning to adapt and innovate in their approach. The experience gained during the production of Iwaju has not only enhanced the skills of the Kugali team but also set a precedent for future Nigerian animation projects.
A New Era for Nigerian Animation
As the conversation draws to a close, it’s evident that this collaboration transcends boundaries, both geographical and creative. Through their unwavering commitment to authenticity and collaboration, the team at Kugali and Disney has not only brought a compelling story to life but also opened doors for future generations of storytellers and animators.
The success of Iwaju represents a pivotal moment for Nigerian animation, inspiring aspiring animators to explore their cultural narratives and share them with the world. Kugali’s partnership with Disney is a testament to the potential of African storytelling, proving that the narratives rooted in rich cultural traditions can resonate universally.
As the animation landscape continues to evolve, projects like Iwaju will pave the way for more African stories to be told. With increasing interest and investment in Nigerian animation, the future looks bright for aspiring creators. It’s time for the next generation of animators to embrace their creativity and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of African storytelling.
