The “Iyanu” world premiere festivities ended on Saturday (April 5th) with a private viewing of episode one at the luxurious Neiman Marcus St. Louis. The evening commenced with island inspired drinks and music by DJ InnerGy, who brought a set list of festive Afrobeats.
The event was attended by local fashion curators Dwight Carter of BrainChild Next and Dr. Chajuana Trawick, Associate professor of Fashion Design at Lindenwood University. It was also attended by Thelma and David Steward, parents of David Steward II, the founder of Lion Forge Entertainment. The Oscar and Emmy Award-winning animation studio produced the groundbreaking animated series for Cartoon Network.
Prior to the screening, guests had the opportunity to shop around while the children added color to the large posters of the show’s main characters. This interactive experience was provided by COCA and gave everyone a chance to reimagine the characters of the show and delve into their own creativity.
The screening was also accompanied with a Q&A where guests could dialogue directly with some of the minds – and voices – behind the series.
“I think [Iyanu] is a metaphor for girls figuring out their power and who they are in the world,” said “Iyanu” writer Kerri Grant. “Where they belong and where they fit.”
Grant won an “Outstanding Writing for a Preschool Animated Program” Children’s and Family Emmy Award for her work on “Ada Twist, Scientist” in 2022. She has been nominated for a total of 10 Emmy Awards for work on shows such as “The Back Yardigans,” “Karma’s World” and “Doc McStuffins.”
She called “Iyanu” a coming-of-age story – with a lot of action, a little bit of comedy – all in a fantasy, Afrofuturistic world.
“Her story is a classic heroine’s journey,” Grant added, “where she is learning who she is at a really crucial time and then going on an epic journey to save her people.”
Roye Okupe, the mind behind the graphic novel that inspired the series – and series showrunner – was also in attendance.
“[Iyanu] is a love letter to my daughter,” Okupe said.
He also spoke about how he created this show out of the necessity of having something positive to watch with her. He believes that Ekun, Iyanu’s loyal companion and guardian angel will be everyone’s favorite character.
“Even though Ekun doesn’t talk, his personality shows in everything that he does,” said Okupe. “We were very proud to create a character that doesn’t talk, but I think has the most emotion to express in the show.”
Set in Nigeria, “Iyanu” follows a young girl and her trusted companions on a quest to save their community from an ancient curse.
The three main characters of the show are Iyanu, (voiced by Serah Johnson) Biyi (voiced by Okey Jude) and Toye (voiced by Samuel Kugbiyi). These three form The Chosen and are on a journey to reverse the terrible outcomes of the Divine Wars against light and Dark.
Iyanu commands with a mysterious blue force that has the power to drive evil out of the most corrupted creatures. Throughout her journey she learns how to wield this force and struggles with the decision to use her powers for good or for evil.
Johnson was not able to make Saturday’s screening, but her costars were there – and eager to sing her praises.
Kugbiyi playfully described her as “amazing and flawless.”
“She inspires me, she challenges me just as much as she annoys me,” Kugbiyi said. “Every character, every role that Sarah plays she brings in 100% for that part.”
The creation of this cartoon was an international effort. While the writers and production staff and Lion Forge Entertainment were in the U.S, the lead voice actors recorded their vocals in different countries. “We had a slight challenge,” said Jude. “Because [Johnson] was in Nigeria, [Kugbiyi] was in Canada and I was in the UK, and we formed this team and we needed to bond and form chemistry which is what makes the picture so beautiful”.
Though team Chosen was able to connect and bond on their own, they give immense credit to Paula Gammon Wilson who directed their voice overs from Portugal. “[Paula] was amazing as a director,” said Jude, “She had a way of bringing us into the zone – and bringing clarity to what she wanted from the character.”
Kugbiyi reflected on his character Toye and the connection they share.
“I relate so much to the character because he brings a lot of valor and heart to what it means to be a man and a boy,” Kugbiyi said. “That you don’t have to be aggressive to be powerful.”
“Iyanu” will air every Saturday at 9:30 am on Cartoon Network and the episode will also be available the next day for streaming on Max.
Living It content is produced in partnership with Regional Arts Commission.
