Nigerian culture and mythology take center stage in Iyanu, a groundbreaking animated series featuring a star-studded voice cast including Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Serah Johnson, Stella Damasus, and Shaffy Bello. The show is set to debut across 44 African countries on Showmax from Friday, June 13, 2025.
Leading the voices is award-winning actor Serah Johnson as the titular hero Iyanu, joined by Okey Jude as Biyi, Iyanu’s adventurous friend, and Samuel Kugbiyi as Toye, the bookish companion. Since its U.S. premiere on Cartoon Network in April 2025, Iyanu has garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, ranking as the number one show on Cartoon Network and among the top 10 kids and family series on Max.
Screen Rant praised Iyanu as “The Last Airbender and Black Panther hybrid you didn’t know you needed,” applauding its unique mix of African mythology and modern superhero storytelling.
The series is based on the popular graphic novel Iyanu: Child of Wonder, created by Nigerian visionary Roye Okupe and published by Dark Horse Comics, known for titles like The Umbrella Academy and Hellboy.
Speaking ahead of the African premiere, Okupe said, “Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, I watched superhero stories on DStv. To see Iyanu now launching on Showmax across Africa is truly a full-circle moment. I’m thrilled that kids and families across the continent will experience a superhero who looks, sounds, and feels like them.”
The story follows Iyanu, a courageous orphan in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland. When danger strikes, she unknowingly awakens divine powers not seen since the Age of Wonders. Alongside friends Biyi, Toye, and a mystical leopard named Ekun, Iyanu embarks on a quest to confront evil threatening her community and unlock her true destiny.
Iyanu will be available to stream and binge on Showmax starting June 13, 2025.
