'Don't miss out!' Disney+'s animated miniseries 'Iwájú' takes internet by storm
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: With its striking visuals and deeply ingrained African references, Disney's first 'original long-form animated series,' 'Iwájú,' premiered on the streaming platform on Wednesday, February 28, swiftly amassing a devoted following.
Olufikayo Adeola serves as the director of the series, which is a collaborative production of Kugali Media and Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Set against the background of future Lagos, Nigeria, the series sparkles with an intriguing narration that is appropriately backed by its mesmerizing graphics.
Internet loved the cultural authenticity in 'Iwájú'
Fans swarmed to X as soon as the miniseries was made accessible on streaming providers, demonstrating their adoration for the program. The series notably earned praise for its exceptional world-building and profound cultural authenticity.
Appreciation for the engaging narrative and eye-catching visuals was expressed by a fan who wrote on X, "Everyone needs to watch #IWÁJÚ … I just saw the whole thing and I want to see more already!! Beautiful animation style and the storyline was very well written.@DisneyPlus."
Everyone needs to watch #IWÁJÚ … I just saw the whole thing and I want to see more already!! Beautiful animation style and the storyline was very well written. @DisneyPlus
— Imani (@imaninyjheaa) February 28, 2024
Sharing their sentiments about the social themes of the series, a fan wrote, "Saying the animation in this series is beautiful is an understatement! The story was pretty bold, with its message about dealing with economic struggles in life at its core. If you’ve got kids in your life put this own for them, they’ll love it! #Iwaju."
Saying the animation in this series is beautiful is an understatement! The story was pretty bold, with its message about dealing with economic struggles in life at its core. If you’ve got kids in your life put this own for them, they’ll love it! #Iwaju pic.twitter.com/wkJHezmXPR
— 𝕵𝖚𝖘𝖙𝖎𝖓 (@ArtofTrill) February 29, 2024
Another enthusiastic fan, appreciating the series for its effective portrayal of class differences, commented, "Iwaju also really deals with classism very well."
Iwaju also really deals with classism very well.
— Lola (NALEDI Kickstarter in April) (@ALMZ11_) February 28, 2024
Urging others to watch the show, a fan tweeted, "Everyone make sure you don’t miss out! It’s truly a beautiful story #Iwaju we are all so proud of it."
Everyone make sure you don’t miss out! It’s truly a beautiful story #Iwaju we are all so proud of it https://t.co/kIvw3Z0ORa
— Regina diaz (@regywho) February 28, 2024
About the usage of pidgin English, another fan said, "Lol, I love Iwaju because they’re speaking pidgin English often unless you’re from West Africa you won’t get it." "Loving #Iwaju," wrote another admirer of the series,
Lol I love Iwaju because they’re speaking pidgin English often😂😂😂 unless you’re from West Africa you won’t get it.
— Lola (NALEDI Kickstarter in April) (@ALMZ11_) February 28, 2024
Another person on social media said that they could relate to the show and posted, "See your life. Nothing is free” As a Ghanaian, I can already relate to some things happening in Iwájú even though it’s set in a futuristic Lagos."
“See your life. Nothing is free” 😭😭 As a Ghanaian, I can already relate to some things happening in Iwájú even though it’s set in a futuristic Lagos
— Chris 🦦 #VENOMANIACS (@LuminousDagger) February 28, 2024
Regarding the series as a possible avenue for Nigeria's future, one additional viewer said, "Iwaju shows a lot about our Nigerian identity and what we could become in the future. Wonderful production."
Iwaju shows a lot about our Nigerian identity and what we could become in the future.
— Waliu Fagbemi (@waliuabayomi) February 28, 2024
Wonderful production 💯.
Terming the series as charming, another fan stated, "There’s a new show on Disney+ called Iwájú. It’s set in “futuristic Lagos” and it is very cute! And very Nigerian. Very well done."
There’s a new show on Disney+ called Iwájú. It’s set in “futuristic Lagos” and it is very cute! And very Nigerian. Very well done.
— Zoombinis (@pit_huahua) February 28, 2024
What happened with Tola Martins and Kole Adesola in 'Iwájú?'
Proving the adage, 'Good triumphs over Evil,' through the conclusion of the six-part miniseries, Tola Martins (Simisola Gbadamosi) and Kole Adesola (Siji Soetan) successfully orchestrate the downfall of the evil Bode DeSouza (Femi Branch).
Initially, the duo collaborates to resurrect Otin (Weruche Opia), and after much diligence, Otin becomes effective, independently overcoming Bode's lackeys.
Moreover, acting on her wits, Tola tricks Bode into self-confessing his actions in front of millions of people. In the final moments of the last episode, Bode gets arrested, while Tole and Kole reconcile with a significant friendship handshake.
'Iwájú' is now streaming on Disney+.