Welcome back to the Iyanu blog — your home for everything about the animated series from Lion Forge Entertainment. If you're new here, this is the place to start. We're breaking down everything you need to know about Iyanu: what it is, who the characters are, and why this show is unlike anything else on television right now.
Season 2 is coming soon to Cartoon Network. Here's your complete guide to getting caught up before it arrives.
What Is Iyanu About?
Iyanu is an animated superhero series produced by Lion Forge Entertainment, set in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland — a world rooted in Nigerian culture and Yoruba mythology. It follows a teenage orphan named Iyanu who has spent her whole life outside the walled city of Elu ancient arts with her mento Olori. She's smart, curious, a little lonely, and quietly aching for something bigger.
Then one day, danger strikes. And without even meaning to, Iyanu unlocks a power no one has witnessed in 500 years. Divine powers. Powers that echo the gods themselves. When her abilities are discovered, she's forced to flee — and that's when her real story begins.
Watch the first episode of Iyanu here on Youtube.
Who Are the Characters?
Iyanu doesn't travel alone. She picks up three unlikely allies along the way — and together they become Team Chosen.
Iyanu — The Chosen One
Clever, tenacious, and fiercely determined, Iyanu is a young orphan girl in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland who discovers she has extraordinary powers. Prophesied as The Chosen, she must master her abilities, forge alliances, and unite her people — all while facing down the Fallen One's armies to save her world. She never asked for any of it. She shows up anyway, every single time. Watch Iyanu in action here.
Biyi — The Adventurer
Biyi has a talent for getting into trouble and an equal gift for talking his way out of it. His carefree life changes the moment he meets Iyanu — and as they set off on an adventure neither of them planned, he discovers something he didn't know he was missing. The true meaning of friendship. 😄 Watch Biyi in action here.
Toye — The Scholar
Unable to live up to his father's military reputation, Toye secretly dreams of becoming an engineer instead of a soldier. When he discovers the true nature of his country's dictatorship, he flees the army — and finds something he never expected in Iyanu, Biyi, and Ekun. Braver than he knows, and more essential to Team Chosen than he'd ever admit. Watch Toye in action here.
Ekun — The Last Divine Beast
Ekun is a giant black leopard. The last of the Divine Beasts in all of Yorubaland. He is sworn to protect Iyanu, and he takes that job extremely seriously. Ancient, opinionated, and with absolutely no patience for foolishness. Watch Ekun in action here.
Officially part of Team Chosen? Shop the official Iyanu collection at shop.iyanutheseries.com 🏹
Olori: The Woman Who Raised Iyanu
Olori is a priestess and the last of the Agoni — an ancient order entrusted with preserving the history of all of Yorubaland. She found Iyanu as a baby deep in the forest and raised her, training her in both combat and the wisdom to know when not to fight. Warm, fearless, and fiercely protective, she is the foundation everything Iyanu is was built on. Watch Olori in action here.
Mama Sewa: The One Who Shows Iyanu Who She Was Born to Be
Mama Sewa leads the Riverland Settlement — a community of people exiled from Elu — with quiet authority and deep respect from everyone around her. Also a member of the Agoni order, she recognizes Iyanu immediately and becomes her second teacher, helping her understand that true mastery of her powers comes not from fear or conflict, but from peace. She is also the closest thing Biyi has ever had to a mother. Watch Mama Sewa in action here.
What Makes Iyanu Different?
A lot of animated series claim to be about friendship and courage. Iyanu earns it. The world is built from real Yoruba culture and mythology — not a reimagined version of Africa made for Western audiences, but a story rooted in West African history, created by Africans, and told with an all-African voice cast.
Creator Roye Okupe was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. He founded YouNeek Studios to bring African superhero stories to the world. When Lion Forge Entertainment — the Oscar-winning, Black-owned studio behind Hair Love — brought Iyanu to animation, it became a landmark moment for kids' television.
The voice cast is entirely African: award-winning actress Serah Johnson leads as Iyanu, alongside Nollywood icons Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Stella Damasus, Shaffy Bello, and Blossom Chukwujekwu. The theme song is performed by Grammy-winning Afropop superstar Yemi Alade.
How Many Episodes Are There?
Season 1 of Iyanu has 10 episodes, each about 22 minutes long. There is also a feature-length prequel movie called The Age of Wonders. Not sure how they fit together? Read our guide: How to Watch Iyanu in the Right Order. Season 2 is coming soon to Cartoon Network.
Where Can I Watch Iyanu?
Iyanu, produced by Lion Forge Entertainment, is available globally. In the United States, Season 1 streams on Cartoon Network and Max. In Africa, it's on Showmax across 44 countries. In the UK, it streams on ITVX. In Australia, it airs on ABC. And in the UAE and across the MENA region, it's available on eJunior and STARZPlay.
Who Is Iyanu Made For?
Iyanu is built for kids ages 6 to 11 but designed so the whole family watches together. If your children love action-adventure, strong female heroes, magical worlds, animal companions, and epic storytelling — this is their next favorite show. And if you've been waiting for a show where a young Black girl stands at the center of her own epic — brilliant, brave, and fully realized — Iyanu was made for that moment.
What Does "Iyanu" Mean?
The word "iyanu" means "miracle" or "wonder" in Yoruba, one of the major languages of Nigeria. The title isn't just our hero's name. It's a promise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who created Iyanu?
Iyanu was created by Roye Okupe, an award-winning Nigerian filmmaker and founder of YouNeek Studios. The animated series was created by Lion Forge Entertainment — the Oscar-winning, Black-owned studio behind Hair Love.
Is Iyanu appropriate for kids?
Yes. Iyanu is designed for children ages 6 to 11, with an action-adventure tone. It deals with themes of friendship, courage, family, and finding your purpose — all in an exciting fantasy setting rooted in Nigerian culture. Parents and older viewers enjoy it too.
What language is Iyanu in?
Iyanu is in English with an all-African voice cast. The show incorporates Yoruba words, phrases, and cultural references throughout — a natural and fun way for children to encounter Nigerian language and culture.
Is Iyanu based on a comic book?
Yes. Iyanu is adapted from the graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder, written by Roye Okupe and published by YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics. The animated series is produced by Lion Forge Entertainment.
Where can I watch Iyanu?
USA: Cartoon Network and Max. Africa: Showmax across 44 countries. UK: ITVX. Australia: ABC. UAE and MENA region: eJunior and STARZPlay.
When does Season 2 premiere?
Season 2 is to Cartoon Network and HBOMax in the US starting March 21.
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Iyanu is produced by Lion Forge Entertainment — Diverse Stories, Authentically Told.
Officially part of Team Chosen? Shop the official Iyanu collection at shop.iyanutheseries.com 🏹