Meet the Voice Cast of Iyanu

One of the things that makes Iyanu unlike any animated series on television right now is the voice behind every single character — every hero, every villain, every elder, every friend — is Nigerian. Lion Forge Entertainment made a bold and beautiful choice: to tell a story rooted in Nigerian culture with an entirely Nigerian cast. The result is something you can hear in every line of dialogue. This is what authentic representation sounds like.

Here is the vocal team bringing Yorubaland to life.

Serah Johnson — Iyanu

Serah Johnson leads the cast as Iyanu herself — the teenage orphan who discovers divine powers she never asked for and a destiny she can't escape. Johnson is a trailblazer in every sense: she is the first Nigerian and African to win the Society of Voice Arts Award (SOVAS) for Outstanding Animation Character, taking home the honor for her work on Moji. Her range — from vulnerable to fierce to determined — is exactly what Iyanu's journey demands.

Okey Jude — Biyi

Okey Jude voices Biyi, Iyanu's carefree, fast-talking, fiercely loyal adventurer friend — and the first real friend she has ever had. A TV personality and City People Award winner for Fast Rising Male Actor, Jude is known for Hotel Labamba and The Governor's Daughter. He was also the official IVR voice of MTN Nigeria — the country's largest telecommunications network — between 2013 and 2015. His warmth and energy jump off the screen every time Biyi opens his mouth.

Samuel Kugbiyi — Toye

Samuel Kugbiyi plays Toye — the son of a military general who secretly wants to be an engineer, and who finds his quiet courage in the most unexpected places. A multifaceted artist whose career spans from childhood, Kugbiyi is perhaps best known for the acclaimed musical drama Tafiya Lafiya: The Journey, for which he served as both writer and performer. He brings a thoughtful, grounded quality to Toye that makes every one of his breakthroughs hit harder.

Adesua Etomi-Wellington — Olori

African Movie Academy Awards winner Adesua Etomi-Wellington voices Olori — the last surviving member of the ancient Agoni order, Iyanu's guardian, and the woman who found her as an infant hidden inside the Tree of Freedom. One of Nollywood's most celebrated actresses, known for King of Boys and Gangs of Lagos, Etomi-Wellington was named by Vogue as one of their 14 global superstars in 2019 alongside Scarlett Johansson, Deepika Padukone, and Vanessa Kirby. Her presence gives Olori the gravitas and warmth the character demands.

Blossom Chukwujekwu — Kanfo

Blossom Chukwujekwu voices Kanfo — General of the Eso Warriors, Toye's father, and the man known as "Eso of Esos" — the bravest and strongest among Elu's finest. One of Nollywood's foremost leading men, Chukwujekwu is celebrated for Falling and Stolen Lives, with multiple wins and nominations across the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards, Best of Nollywood Awards, and Golden Movies Awards. His commanding presence makes Kanfo every bit as formidable as the character deserves.

Stella Damasus — Mama Sewa

Stella Damasus voices Mama Sewa — the wise, beloved teacher and surrogate grandmother who first trains Iyanu to access her powers from a place of inner peace. A Nigerian-born entertainer, actress, and author of Màmá, It's A Girl, Damasus is known for her role in Gone. She brings a warmth and wisdom to Mama Sewa that makes her one of the most beloved characters in the series — and her scenes with Biyi are some of the most heartfelt in Season 1.

Shaffy Bello — Emi, The One Mother

Shaffy Bello voices Emi — The One Mother, spiritual guardian of the Divine Ones and one of the most powerful beings in all of Yorubaland. A Best of Nollywood Awards nominee known for The Score and Battleground, Bello brings an ethereal authority to Emi that perfectly captures a being who is both deeply loving and cosmically powerful. Her performance in The Age of Wonders is one of the emotional anchors of the entire story.

This is what it sounds like when a story is told by the people who live it. Every voice in Iyanu was chosen with intention — to honor Nigerian culture, celebrate Nigerian talent, and show the world what African animation can be when it is given the space and the resources to be extraordinary.

Who cast the voice actors for Iyanu?

Finding the perfect voices for Iyanu wasn't easy. Paula Gammon-Wilson of Pepsqually VO and Sound listened to over 1,000 voice actor auditions — casting mostly from Nigeria and Portugal — before finalizing the series cast. Gammon-Wilson also served as voice director and sound designer, making sure every line and every sound in the show felt authentic.

Season 2 is coming March 21 Cartoon Network and the next day on HBOMax. Follow @iyanuseries on all platforms to learn more!