The world of animation is evolving, and “Iyanu: Child of Wonder” is at the forefront of that change. This highly anticipated series, adapted from the graphic novel by Roye Okupe, is being helmed by veteran animator Saxton Moore, who has spent years pushing the boundaries of storytelling in animation.
As Moore takes on this ambitious project, he brings with him a wealth of experience from working with networks like Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, and Adult Swim.
“I grew up loving cartoons,” Moore said. “Saturday morning cartoons were very important to me. And so, once I found out that you can make a living in animation, I was like, ‘Sign me up.’”
That passion led him to the Art Institute of Atlanta, where he pursued his craft before working with some of the biggest names in the industry. His career has included work on projects for Disney, Nickelodeon, and Cartoon Network, as well as notable series such as “Aqua Teen Hunger Force,” “Harvey Birdman,” and “Squidbillies.”
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Over time, Moore realized that he wanted to contribute something more personal to the industry—something that authentically represented Black culture.
“I wanted to create shows and develop projects that not only entertain, but also educate people about African American and African cultures,” Moore explained.
That vision has come to life with “Iyanu,” an animated series rooted in West African mythology and Yoruba culture. The story follows a young girl, Iyanu, who discovers she has extraordinary abilities and must use them to save her people from a looming evil.
The project is a historic moment for animation, bringing African fantasy to a global audience in a way that few animated series have done before.
“”Iyanu” is based in ancient Nigeria,” Moore shared. “It’s about this young girl that discovers her strength within her, and she realizes she’s the only one that can protect the city.”
The series is not just a visual spectacle—it is a cultural milestone. Moore and his team have taken great care to ensure that the series remains authentic, from the world-building to the voice cast, which features all Nigerian actors.
Additionally, Nigerian artists have played a significant role in the animation and design, further enhancing the show’s cultural richness.
“There are a lot of Nigerian artists that we brought on to the project,” Moore noted. “The whole voiceover cast was from Nigeria as well, and it was important to us to make sure we were telling this story the right way.”
Bringing “Iyanu” to life was no easy task. Despite the rising demand for diverse and inclusive storytelling, projects that deviate from mainstream Western narratives often face challenges in securing funding and industry support.
However, Moore remained committed to ensuring that African mythology had a place in animation.
“The same thing I experienced while working on it, I want audiences to experience,” he said. “For African Americans, we don’t always get to see ourselves in these types of stories. And through this project, I was able to work with Roy [Okupe] and his team to create something truly special.”
Moore’s dedication to authentic representation is part of a broader movement in animation, where creators are pushing to diversify storytelling and bring underrepresented cultures to the forefront.
“Iyanu” is a testament to this shift, providing young Black audiences with a heroine who reflects their identity and heritage.
“When people watch the series, not only are they entertained, but they’re educated about the culture and history of Nigeria,” Moore emphasized.
As “Iyanu: Child of Wonder” prepares for its premiere, excitement continues to build. The show is set to debut on Cartoon Network on April 5, with episodes streaming on Max the following day.
Additionally, it will be available on Showmax and 14 other countries across Africa, making it a truly international series.
“You can find “Iyanu” on Cartoon Network and Max, and it’s also streaming across multiple platforms in Africa,” Moore confirmed. “It’s an international series as well, so people from all over will be able to experience it.”
With this project, Moore is not just telling a story—he’s reshaping the future of animation by proving that African mythology belongs on the world stage. And as he hinted, this is just the beginning.
“I got another project up my sleeve that I’ll be starting to share really soon,” Moore teased.
As “Iyanu” makes its debut, it stands as a beacon for future Black animators and storytellers, proving that the world is ready for diverse, powerful, and culturally rich narratives.
