Disney has announced that following the debut of the all-new original animated series “Iwájú” by Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pan-African Entertainment Company Kugali on Disney+ on Friday, 28th February 2024,  the show will also be heading to Disney Channel across Africa.

A first-of-its-kind collaboration with Pan-African entertainment company, Kugali, “Iwájú” is an original animated series set in a futuristic Lagos and tells the exciting coming-of-age story of Tola, a young girl from the wealthy island, and her best friend, Kole, a self-taught tech expert, as they discover the secrets and dangers hidden in their different worlds.

“Iwájú” will air across Africa on the Disney Channel, which is distributed on DStv platform (Channel 303)—this April and May, giving viewers across the continent an opportunity to view the series in territories where Disney+ is not available.

With Disney slowing down its global international rollout of Disney+ during the pandemic and as it looked to reduce costs, many countries across Africa, including Nigeria, which is where “Iwájú” is set, don’t have access to Disney+, so putting the show out on the Disney Channel makes perfect sense.

Director Olufikayo Ziki Adeola said in a statement regarding the linear broadcast:

“We created ‘Iwájú’ as a love letter to Lagos, Nigeria, and an ode to the rich legacy of African storytelling.  We’re proud to share this series and hope that it inspires more Africans across the world to share their stories and shape our collective narrative.”

Christine Service, Senior Vice President and General Manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa, added:

“‘Iwájú’ is a true celebration of the creativity and storytelling excellence that is at the heart of Disney, bringing the immense talent and creative vision of home-grown filmmakers to the world. With the distribution of the series on Disney Channel, the release of the ‘Disney Iwájú: Rising Chef” mobile game and the “Iwaju” Original Soundtrack Score,we are excited to give audiences across Africa the chance to experience this ambitious and uniquely innovative series.”

Also debuting on the same day on Disney+ is “Iwájú: A Day Ahead,” a documentary special filmed across three continents that shares the story of the founders of the Pan-African entertainment company, Kugali, who made their dream a reality creating an original animation series with Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Created by the ABC News Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios team that brought you “Into the Unknown: Making Frozen 2,” the documentary shows anything is possible when talent meets opportunity. 

“Iwájú: A Day Ahead” is directed by Megan Harding and executive produced by Amy Astley and Beth Hoppe. 

All six episodes of this limited series will be released on Disney+ around the world on February 28th, 2024.

Are you looking forward to watching “Iwájú”?  Let us know on social media!

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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