Afrofuturism, the melding of African heritage and speculative storytelling, has been making waves in mainstream media with works like Marvel Studios' Black Panther (2018). Two standout animated projects on Disney+ – Iwájú and Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire – take this movement to new heights, delivering bold, visually arresting, and deeply resonant narratives that celebrate African creativity in ways we’ve rarely seen before.
Iwájú: a futuristic vision of Lagos
Developed through a collaboration between Walt Disney Animation Studios and the Pan-African entertainment company Kugali, Iwájú envisions a Lagos that is both thrillingly futuristic and unmistakably rooted in Nigerian culture. The title, Yoruba for "the future," signals the show’s ambition – this is no generic sci-fi cityscape, but a world where cutting-edge technology coexists with the rich traditions of one of Africa’s most vibrant metropolises.
At its heart, Iwájú follows a bright, determined young girl from a privileged background and her street-smart best friend as they navigate a society shaped by class divides, rapid technological advancements, and their own evolving perspectives. It’s a classic coming-of-age story with a fresh, Afrofuturist twist.
The animation is stunning – breaking away from Disney’s usual look in favour of Kugali’s unique artistic sensibilities. The streets of Lagos are alive with neon-lit skyscrapers, self-driving cars, and the pulsating rhythms of Afrobeat. Yet for all its sci-fi spectacle, Iwájú never loses sight of its emotional core, making it as thought-provoking as it is visually mesmerising.
Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire: a Pan-African sci-fi anthology
If Iwájú offers a singular vision of Afrofuturism, Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire explodes with variety. Produced by Triggerfish Animation and helmed by a dynamic lineup of African filmmakers, this ten-episode anthology is a wild ride through the continent’s many cultures, myths and futuristic imaginings.
Each episode introduces a bold new world where African folklore collides with cutting-edge sci-fi. From futuristic warriors protecting their homelands to mischievous kids exploring surreal, dystopian cityscapes, Kizazi Moto delivers a dazzling mix of action, humour and philosophy. No two stories are alike, yet they all share a deep cultural resonance that makes this anthology feel both epic and intimate.
The range of animation styles is just as diverse as the storytelling. Some episodes embrace hyper-stylised action sequences, while others lean into dreamlike, painterly aesthetics. Highlights include 'Moremi', a mesmerising retelling of a Yoruba legend with sci-fi flourishes, and 'Mukudzei', a Zimbabwean tale where a rebellious teen interacts with holographic ancestors in ways that are both poignant and playful.
Both Iwájú and Kizazi Moto mark a thrilling moment for Afrofuturist animation. These projects push back against the dominance of Western-centric sci-fi narratives, carving out space for African visions of the future – visions that are just as exhilarating, complex and imaginative as anything Hollywood has to offer.
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Explore Afrofuturism in The Future & Other Fictions
Exhibition | Thu 28 Nov 2024 – Sun 27 Apr 2025
Discover the people, costumes and artworks that shape tomorrow. See detailed costumes from Marvel Studios' Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Explore intricate sets, props and concept art from Cyberpunk 2077, Blade Runner 2049, The Creator, and more