African Animation on Fire!

 

When animation directors such as the likes of Ngendo Mukii (Kenya) and Kenneth Coker (Nigeria) are part of an Afro-futurist animation series, one can be sure that this project is going to be ground breaking. 
Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire - the animated sci-fi anthology series was first aired on Disney+ in December 2023 going on to win a host of awards; Best Animated Series at the KIDSCREEN AWARDS, won the prestigious Annie Award. The winning series episode “Enkai” was directed by Kenyan Ng'endo Mukii and produced by Blink Industries.

The episodes on Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire anthology are:

• Stardust: Directed by Ahmed Teilab – Egypt

• Mkhuzi: The Spirit Racer: Directed by Simangaliso ‘Panda’ Sibaya and Malcom Wope – South Africa

• Hatima: Directed by Terence Maluleke and Isaac Mogajane – South Africa

• Enkai: Directed by Ng’endo Mukii – Kenya

• Moremi: Directed by Shofela Coker – Nigeria

• Surf Sangoma: Directed by Nthato Mokgata and Catherine Green – South Africa

• Mukudzei: Directed by Pious Nyenyewa & Tafadzwa Hove – Zimbabwe

• First Totem Problems: Directed by Tshepo Moche – South Africa

• Herderboy: Directed by Raymond Malinga – Uganda

• You Give Me Heart: Directed by Lesego Vorster – South Africa.

Tutu: The Untold Story of a Kingdom

If you are around in Ghana on Friday the 20th December then it may be worth looking out for the screening of Tutu: The Untold Story of a Kingdom, pitched as an animated series, this story tells of

Osei Tutu and the rise of the 17th century Ashanti Kingdom located in what is now modern day Ghana, West Africa. Our main characters Osei Tutu and Okomfo Anokye embark on a journey to unite divided Akan clans.

The animation looks promising as its development was informed by research into local narratives and cultures. With magical characters like Okomfo Onokye and strong female characters like Abena Bensua, sister of the King, this so-called traditional tale has contemporary resonances. AnimaxFYB is the studio based in Ghana that will be developing this project with director Francis Yushau Brown, this animation looks is planned to be an animated series of 13 minutes with 24 minute running time over 3 seasons.
Tutu Concept Event Screening: Date: Friday December 20th, 2019 Where: Alliance Française (Accra, Ghana) Time: 7pm Cost: 20GHC