Iyanu comes to Showmax in June with an all-Nigerian voice cast
Nigerian actors Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Serah Johnson, Stella Damasus and Shaffy Bello star in the hugely successful first season of Iyanu, an animated series based on Nigerian culture and mythology making its African debut on Showmax starting Friday, 13 June 2025.
Leading the cast is award-winning voice actor, Serah Johnson as Iyanu, alongside Okey Jude who joins the cast as Biyi, Iyanu’s carefree adventurer friend, and Samuel Kugbiyi as Toye, Iyanu’s bookworm friend.
Since its release in the US on Cartoon Network in April 2025, Iyanu has been critically acclaimed and commercially successful, ranking number one on Cartoon Network and among the top 10 kids' and family series on Max. Screen Rant praised it as “The Last Airbender and Black Panther hybrid you didn’t know you needed,” highlighting its unique blend of African mythology and modern superhero storytelling.
Iyanu, the animated series, is adapted from Nigerian creator Roye Okupe’s popular graphic novel series, Iyanu: Child of Wonder, published by Dark Horse Comics, the powerhouse behind the likes of The Umbrella Academy and Hellboy comics.
Speaking on the African premiere, Okupe said, “One of the reasons I started YouNeek Studios and created Iyanu is because I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, watching superhero stories on DStv. To now see Iyanu launching on Showmax across 44 African countries is truly a full-circle moment.”
“I’m beyond thrilled that kids, adults, and families across the continent will get to see a superhero who looks, sounds, and feels like them. I can’t wait for audiences throughout Africa to experience the magic and wonder of Iyanu – a show that’s already capturing hearts around the world,” he added.
Drawing on Nigerian culture, music, and mythology, Iyanu follows a brave young orphan living in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland. One day, responding to danger, she unknowingly triggers her divine powers, the likes of which have not been seen since the Age of Wonders. Accompanied by newfound friends Biyi and Toye, as well as a magical leopard named Ekun, Iyanu sets out to uncover the source of the evil in her community, unlocking her destiny along the way.
Iyanu will be available to binge on Showmax starting Friday, 13 June 2025.
More like this
Piece By Piece (2024)
Grammy-winning artist Pharrell Williams's life gets a bold LEGO twist. It is a vibrant mix of music, a celebration of creativity, and storytelling that will captivate you.
The best kids' shows and movies to stream during school holidays
Showmax has loads of fun to look forward to during school holidays in October 2025, including blockbuster movies for the whole family.
Bea's Block S1
Join Bea and her friends as they spread kindness and build empathy through playful adventures in their community.
The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie (2024)
Porky Pig and Daffy Duck are Earth's only hope. They must save the world from an alien threat, but only if they can work together!
Sonic The Hedgehog 3
When Team Sonic meets their match in Shadow, they must form an unlikely alliance with Dr Robotnik to save the world.
Iyanu S1
When a teenage orphan discovers she has magical powers, she embarks on a remarkable journey with her friends to discover the truth about the evil lurking in her homeland.
Iyanu comes to Showmax in June with an all-Nigerian voice cast
Iyanu, led by Serah Johnson, alongside Okey Jude, and Samuel Kugbiyi, arrives fresh off its success as the number-one show on Cartoon Network. Premiering on Showmax 13 June.
The Wild Robot (2024)
A riveting and epic adventure written and directed by Chris Saunders. Voiced by Lupita Nyong'o, Roz, a robot stranded on a wild island, must adapt and confront her past to survive.
BBNaija S10 on Showmax
Iyanu: The Age of Wonders, coming to Showmax
More West African picks
Where to watch The Real Housewives franchise online
Showmax is the home of The Real Housewives, giving an inside look at the lives of these glam women from Durban, Abuja, Lagos, Joburg, Nairobi and more. Plus, go on vacation with The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip!
Princess Jecoco on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa
Princess Jecoco from The Real Housewives of Abuja franchise is back! She opens up on what it feels to be part of an epic girls trip
Dr. Catherine speaks on flying the Kenyan flag and reuniting with Zena on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip - Africa
Dr C opens up about representing Kenya in RHUGT–Africa, reuniting with Zena in Brazil, healing through therapy, and revealing a fun new side.
Mariam Timmer talks authenticity and her evolution on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa
Mariam Timmer opens up about sisterhood and her evolution on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, premiering 28 November 2025 on Showmax.
Latest Stories
What to watch on Showmax in Nigeria in December 2025
From Poverty to Purpose: The Redemption of Emmanuel Adebayor: Why Saving Lives Trumps Scoring Goals
Christall on The Ultimate Girls Trip, Evodia and more
Manchester City vs Liverpool: The Rivalry Reignites
What to watch on Showmax in Nigeria in November 2025
10 fun things to watch on World Animation Day
Annie Mthembu opens up about The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa
Can LFC rediscover the form that saw them crowned champions?
Conor Bradley on Liverpool's difficult run and the path back
Must-watch trailer: The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa
Creating The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
From The Office to The Paper
Dexter's deadly to-do list in Dexter: Resurrection
Bafana Bafana composed for Durban showdown against Zimbabwe
Arsenal and Liverpool early front-runners ahead of Premier League international break
Inside spy movie Black Bag
The Premier League canvas: a Saturday masterpiece painted in blue and red
BBNaija 10/10: Road to finale
The clash of the new number 9s: Gyökeres vs Woltemade
June Squibb wins Best Actress award at age 95 for Thelma
Red vs Blue: Showmax Premier League serves up a blockbuster weekend
Blockbuster Premier League weekend: Red vs Blue
Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr chat about Den of Thieves 2: Pantera
From doubt to dynamo: Micky van de Ven's rise at Tottenham
