The number-one series on Cartoon Network is set in Africa

The breakout first season of Iyanu will be available to binge on Showmax from Friday, 13 June 2025, just in time for Father’s Day and the school holidays. 

Drawing on Nigerian culture, music, and mythology, Iyanu follows a teenage orphan who discovers her divine powers and her destiny to save the ancient kingdom of Yorubaland.

Since its US launch in April 2025, Iyanu ranked as the #1 series on Cartoon Network and in the top 10 kids and family series on Max. Cartoon Network and Max have already greenlit Season 2 and two linked feature films.

Screenrant hails it as “The Last Airbender and Black Panther hybrid you didn’t know you needed.” 

Watch the trailer for Iyanu

Produced by Oscar and Emmy winners Lion Forge Entertainment (Hair Love), the epic fantasy animation series is adapted from Roy Okupe’s graphic novel series, Iyanu: Child of Wonder, published by YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics, the powerhouse behind the likes of The Umbrella Academy and Hellboy comics. 

“The support for our show has been nothing short of humbling – and because of that incredible response, we now get to bring the next chapter of Iyanu’s story to life,” says Roye. Born and raised in Nigeria, he serves as creator, executive producer and showrunner on Iyanu. “I’m thrilled to continue expanding the world of Iyanu and the YouNeek YouNiverse, and to share this journey with audiences across the globe. This is just the beginning.” 

Speaking about Iyanu’s upcoming African premiere on Showmax, he adds, “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.” 
 
Award winner Serah Johnson leads the all-Nigerian voice cast as Iyanu, alongside Okey Jude as Biyi, Iyanu’s carefree adventurer friend, and Samuel Kugbiyi as Toye, Iyanu’s bookworm friend. Also listen out for African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) winner and Vogue US cover star Adesua Etomi-Wellington, three-time AMAA nominee Stella Damasus, multi-award winner Blossom Chukwujekwu, and Shaffy Bello from The Black Book, described by Wired as “Nigeria’s first runaway Netflix hit.”  
 
Nigerian Grammy nominee Yemi Alade sings the theme song. She says Iyanu “showcases the resilience, the beauty and the strength of our culture. Growing up as a kid, I always hoped that I would watch cartoons and animated movies like this … an animated series with a character that looks and sounds like me. Right now, it’s happening and I’m really happy to be part of it.” 

Watch the title sequence

In their four-star review, Common Sense Media recommends the “fresh and fun” series for ages 8+. 
 
Iyanu’s success is just the latest in a string of breakthroughs for African animation. For example, the International Emmy for Kids Animation went to Tabby McTat in 2024 and The Smeds and The Smoos in 2023 – both of which were directed by South Africans. Jac Hamman and Sarah Scrimgeour directed Tabby McTat, while Daniel Snaddon and Samantha Cutler directed The Smeds and The Smoos. Both animations adapted from the Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler bestsellers, are also available to stream on Showmax.