The Cartoon Network has finally announced a premiere date for their new cartoon based on Nigerian culture and mythology, Iyanu. The series will make its debut on Saturday, April 5 at 9:30 a.m., with episodes being added to the Max streaming service the following day. A trailer was also released, which can be seen here:

The series is an adaptation of the graphic novel “Iyanu: Child of Wonder” by Roye Okupe, which was published by YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics. The synopsis for the show reads as follows: “Drawing on Nigerian culture, music, and mythology, the animated series follows Iyanu, a brave young orphan living in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland. While studying history and ancient arts, she yearns for a normal life—until a looming threat awakens divine powers not seen since the legendary Age of Wonders. Accompanied by newfound friends Biyi, Toye, and a magical leopard named Ekun, Iyanu sets out to uncover the source of this evil, unlocking her destiny along the way.”

Iyanu is also supposed to have an all Nigerian cast list, which includes Serah Johnson as Iyanu; Okey Jude as Biyi, Iyanu’s carefree adventurer friend; Samuel Kugbiyi as Toye, Iyanu’s bookworm companion; Adesua Etomi-Wellington as Olori; Blossom Chukwujekwu as Kanfo, Toye’s father; Stella Damasus as Sewa; Shaffy Bello as Emi – The One Mother; and Ike Ononye as Elder Alapani. The series’ theme song is also performed by Afropop star Yemi Alade.

The show’s executive producers are David Steward II, Stephanie Sperber, Kirsten Newlands and Matt Heath from Lion Forge Entertainment, Roye Okupe of YouNeek Studios, Erica Dupuis of Impact X Capital, Ryan Haidarian of Forefront Media Group and Doug Schwalbe of Superprod.

Comments from Michael Ouweleen (President of Cartoon Network and Adult Swim) follow: “It has been a hero’s journey for Roye and the team to bring this ambitious and stunning series to Cartoon Network and Max, This April, we all get to benefit from years of their effort and enter the super unique world they have created, filled with magic, mysterious enemies and divine powers.”

The entire first season of Iyanu will be available across 44 African countries on streaming partner Showmax beginning June 13. Recently announced partner ITVX will also stream the series across the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland this summer. Be sure to check out Iyanu when it debuts in the following months.

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