Very good. In fact, really good. Probably the best thing to come out of Disney Animation since Encanto or Once Upon A Studio, and especially since most of their recent projects, with these exceptions, have been sub-par to say the least. So, it was quite a surprise to me when I found out the studio were doing this little show. However, it kinda went under my radar for about a month, which isn't a shock considering they put in little to no marketing for this thing. I did see a trailer for it which got me a little interested but not enough to fully convince me to watch it in a hurry. But when I eventually went to watch it, I was genuinely shocked by just how good it was. There's a great amount of world building and cultural representation which I appreciate the team for doing since it was a show about Nigeria. I was also shocked by the amount of serious subject matter discussed in this show. About poverty, the upper class vs the lower, and the conflict between their economic values and moral judgment. The studio had covered racial issues before in Zootopia but nothing on what the levels of thus series has. No spoilers but there's plot detail and twist halfway through with Tole's best friend, Kole and his mom involving the lead villain that I think goes in a particularly dark place that I wasn't expecting. Not to mention, it can get really sad abd emotional with the character's and their relationships in a way thats dramatic but also feels so real and impactful. On top of that the animation I'd still relatively good. It's cheaper by the standard of their movies, but it has that Disney Animation touch with the character animation and the assets that feeks more high quality than most straight to streaming shows. (*cough Megamind vs The Doom Syndicate) If I had any complaints about this series, it'd be the ending act. While I won't say it's bad, but I feel it was a little undercooked, especially with the villain who gets defeated way too easy in my opinion. Plus, the lizard wasn't used nearly to the potential I thought they were building up to in the trailer. They did show it's powers sort of, but not enough. Really it was just false advertising IMO. However, it was still a great series that was a pleasant surprise. It's severely underrated and hope more people give it some attention. Kudos to the people who made this show and how much heart and effort they really put into making it. Hope they make more original short form mini-series like this one.
18 Reviews
Futuristic Lagos Indeed
nwachuksachie4 March 2024
This animation didn't disappoint, Disney did a good work wiith it. Not to drop any spoiler, this is a must watch for everyone, it's funny, a little bit of action, family and tech. It won't be bad to see more of this kind of animation coming out of Nigeria.
It really nice to watch movies that reflect our culture as Nigerians. This animation is one an adult and kids can watch.
Would have loved to see more. For a mini series the story felt rushed. It should have told us more about the characters in it. We have so many tribes in Nigeria, the movie made it seem like we just have Yorubas only.....
It really nice to watch movies that reflect our culture as Nigerians. This animation is one an adult and kids can watch.
Would have loved to see more. For a mini series the story felt rushed. It should have told us more about the characters in it. We have so many tribes in Nigeria, the movie made it seem like we just have Yorubas only.....
Cool unique story
MovieswDan3 May 2024
This animated children's show is set in Lagos and follows the adventures of Tola, a ten year old girl with a heart of gold. The show focuses mainly on class differences between the islanders and the mainlanders. Over the years, Disney has always been able to do a nice job of highlighting cultures from around the world (Coco, Moana, Mulan, Aladdin, etc.). In Iwaju, they celebrate the Nigerian culture, not only on screen, but also by featuring a mostly Nigerian cast and crew.
If you do plan to watch this show, just remember that it is a children's show meant for children. If you are expecting the next great animated series, you will be disappointed. Although I enjoyed the story and feel that this is a good show all around, there were moments where I did lose interest for a little bit. Overall, I would rate this show a 6/10.
If you are looking for an easy quick watch (6 episodes 25 mins each) that the whole family can enjoy, I recommend checking this one out on Disney+.
Thank you!
If you do plan to watch this show, just remember that it is a children's show meant for children. If you are expecting the next great animated series, you will be disappointed. Although I enjoyed the story and feel that this is a good show all around, there were moments where I did lose interest for a little bit. Overall, I would rate this show a 6/10.
If you are looking for an easy quick watch (6 episodes 25 mins each) that the whole family can enjoy, I recommend checking this one out on Disney+.
Thank you!
Brilliant!
mariesandra-4803629 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Oh my God this animation is so good I was waiting for it and it didn't disappoint, it was so good OMG a futuristic Africa was amazing to watch, a positive look at Africa was also amazing to see I couldn't believe it. Then the staying true to the way of talk (no lies) I highly recommend it. The characters were written well, the story is really good and understandable in the world we are living in now. I want to thank Disney for giving these African creators a chance to share their beautiful story because they could have refused but wow it was accepted, so I would like a say a big thank you to Disney and everyone else who worked on this. Beautiful beautiful story indeed !!
Super cute!
scsrand1 March 2024
Such a cute show and nice storyline. I think I enjoyed this as much as my daughter did. I really appreciate Disney for streaming this and letting it stay true to its origins. It's always refreshing to see other countries being represented in the media here in America.
I really like how they used Nigerian actors to tell a Nigerian story, and kept the dialect accurate to the country. I think Disney should be open to doing more projects like this in the future. I think it would be nice for the younger generation (the one my daughter is in) to be able to see multicultural representation on major platforms, such as Disney.
I really like how they used Nigerian actors to tell a Nigerian story, and kept the dialect accurate to the country. I think Disney should be open to doing more projects like this in the future. I think it would be nice for the younger generation (the one my daughter is in) to be able to see multicultural representation on major platforms, such as Disney.
I'm Nigerian and enjoyed it.
wailor-13 March 2024
It's always nice to see things that reflect our culture on the big screen and after watching the whole series at a sitting also watch the making and enjoyed seeing what went into it. I was curious as to the theme but listening to the making put that in context.
I hope to see more things like this using artistes from the cultures represented. Nigeria is a multifaceted country and hope to see more content showcasing the many different cultures like Hausa, Igbo, itshekiri, ibibio, etc. However, this is a good start. I also loved the fact that this was a work that took almost 4 years to realize. That's not normal for Nigerian movies and it shows.
Thank you and looking forward to seeing more representation. It's important.
I hope to see more things like this using artistes from the cultures represented. Nigeria is a multifaceted country and hope to see more content showcasing the many different cultures like Hausa, Igbo, itshekiri, ibibio, etc. However, this is a good start. I also loved the fact that this was a work that took almost 4 years to realize. That's not normal for Nigerian movies and it shows.
Thank you and looking forward to seeing more representation. It's important.
Loved it
segunehinfun12 March 2024
Great show....absolutely authentic. Proud of the show, proud of the creators and grateful to Disney for the opportunity to showcase an African story.
Watched it and was aesthetically pleasing to watch and authentic in its rendering of a quintessential Africa (Nigerian & Lagos) story.
Kudos to the Disney team, writers and Director/Producers. They were able to project a different and real view of an African story that is unique but has universal implications and appeal as well.
This will go a long way in shaping young artists, animators, sketch writers and graphics and VFX professionals outlook on how to imagine, create and execute such inspirational storytelling.
Watched it and was aesthetically pleasing to watch and authentic in its rendering of a quintessential Africa (Nigerian & Lagos) story.
Kudos to the Disney team, writers and Director/Producers. They were able to project a different and real view of an African story that is unique but has universal implications and appeal as well.
This will go a long way in shaping young artists, animators, sketch writers and graphics and VFX professionals outlook on how to imagine, create and execute such inspirational storytelling.
I love this little show
raydavis-964522 March 2024
I put this show on for the kids, and they watched it, I came in at the middle but literally had leave because I wanted to start it over and watch it from the beginning.
I felt like it was very entertaining; to be honest I didn't think it would be as good as it was. It's definitely one of those movies/shows that I would watch again, and I'm normally a person who would watch a movie and that's it.
The kids love it, and I can be honest that as a grown man, I love it. The storyline was on point, the animation was completely awesome, not sure if there would be a sequel but I'd definitely watch it and would wait for it.
Great movie!
I felt like it was very entertaining; to be honest I didn't think it would be as good as it was. It's definitely one of those movies/shows that I would watch again, and I'm normally a person who would watch a movie and that's it.
The kids love it, and I can be honest that as a grown man, I love it. The storyline was on point, the animation was completely awesome, not sure if there would be a sequel but I'd definitely watch it and would wait for it.
Great movie!
I wanted to love this so much
cmhahn11232 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
The animation is gorgeous. Tola and Kole are amazing characters... but after finishing the series it felt ... incomplete and unfulfilled. The story felt rushed and concluded too easily. 6 15-minute episodes were not enough. I want to know how Oja went from a petty thief as a child to who he is now. I also want to see more of Tola's father other than one single flash back. This series could be so amazing but it looks like a one season and done limited series which I think is a failing on Disney's part. Also, the robotic lizard was such a backgrounds character for so much of it, then in the last episode is finally a forefront character? No. Nope. I love many things about the limited series but I dislike so much more. It should be better.
Legit
maddenclub4 March 2024
This was unexpectedly really good! It had really clean animation and the story line was great. I love how they merged present and future realities both the hardships and opportunities. I also really enjoyed seeing the culture (at least I imagine it's actually the culture) of Lagos, Nigeria. From the language to the food it felt authentic while also giving us that futuristic vibe! My favorite part was the tech and imaging things like that actually happening in the very near future. Additionally, while it's unfortunate, they touched on a huge issue that is seemingly ignored by the masses and that is human trafficking/abduction of children. I am glad I watch and that the creators brought it about and Disney put it on the platform...fingers crossed for a season 2!!
Love!
jncampbell-860153 March 2024
My 8 year old daughter saw the previews and made us watch it 2x! All of us in the family thoroughly enjoyed it and it allowed her to see that Africa, Nigeria in particular, in a realistic view. She has now asked to go visit there 💜. The world needed this! The emphasis on the speech, type of food and clothing really resonated and came through. Sometimes it felt as if it was difficult to understand the pidgin but you understand context to get what the characters feelings are. The story is beautiful, even though it was a scary and realistic topic of kidnapping! But I haven't watched a Disney movie that didn't have a scary concept in it. Disney movie plots are typically dark, but end happily. I highly recommend!
My son and I loved it!
simonebostic4 March 2024
When I found it I binged watched all the available episodes. Since my 3 year old son saw it the first time three days ago he has been asking for only this. I guess this will be taking the place of Aladin and Moana on our TV stream. He loves the story and the lizard, but I love seeing a different culture portrayed with people who look like us.
I particularly like the language authenticity and the use of names true to the region. The native dress is spectacular and choosing and preferring local foods make the story more believable and rich. I also like the development of the characters, no one is totally good or totally evil, we see the character development in a beautiful story that children can relate to.
I particularly like the language authenticity and the use of names true to the region. The native dress is spectacular and choosing and preferring local foods make the story more believable and rich. I also like the development of the characters, no one is totally good or totally evil, we see the character development in a beautiful story that children can relate to.
Wow something more realistic!
iselinemendoza9 March 2024
As soon as I started watching I couldn't stop at one show. I love that this series invites room for conversation about the world around us. My 5 year old made some comments and we were able to discuss some of the lessons depicted, make Inferences on what would happen next and how he would or should handle a situation the main characters were put through. This show intertwines fantasy with reality in a way that the viewer doesnt misinterpret the overall message. Plus NO MAGIC! (Iykyk) I also love that the show has Nigerian/English spoken. We are a multilingual household so its nice to see an animation with something very real to our culture.
Extraordinarily Lovely!! Expecting more!!!
fortuneuidia2 April 2024
As a novel and script writer, I'm still shock from the fact that an animation solely based on Nigerian Culture was produced. I had always hoped for this and it was just as I had imagined.
More of this wouldn't be so bad. Because I would like the world to see Nigeria for who she really is.
Storylines from other tribes and culture in Nigeria would be intriguing, Coupled with highschool, JAMB/WAEC, university life, COVID-19 era, adulthood, Herdsmen Raid, election period, e.t.c.
So much stories to talk about that I hope could be brought to life.
I know the movie, Iwájú, is just a stepping stone for Nigerians because we have lots of pent-up energy for more
Anticipating more in the future!
Long live Nigeria!!
More of this wouldn't be so bad. Because I would like the world to see Nigeria for who she really is.
Storylines from other tribes and culture in Nigeria would be intriguing, Coupled with highschool, JAMB/WAEC, university life, COVID-19 era, adulthood, Herdsmen Raid, election period, e.t.c.
So much stories to talk about that I hope could be brought to life.
I know the movie, Iwájú, is just a stepping stone for Nigerians because we have lots of pent-up energy for more
Anticipating more in the future!
Long live Nigeria!!
Great Show!!
yjzmgqh7 April 2024
I binge watch this show in one sitting! THIS IS A MUST WATCH! I was immediately captured from the first few minutes. The futuristic technology capture the innovative insight the writers imagine for the future. To not reveal spoilers I will discuss characters instead of the plot. I love how they write the main character desire to know her dad better by spending time with him. Often the dad wants to spend time with his daughter but has an important job that involves him building savvy fighter salamanders that protect children from being kidnapped. Unknowingly to the daughter, she is her dad's inspiration behind wanting to eliminate the high kidnapping their community has.
Afrofuturism and child-friendly cyberpunk
calahao24 March 2024
Whereas Kikzazi Moto did explore a few dystopian scenarios, Iwaju as an afrofuturist work takes a very real problem, that of class divide, and makes it a core theme in the series. With even the protagonist's father having prejudices and the main villain the result of unfairness and poverty, there is a layer of cyberpunk-esque moral gray area which deeply enriches the series, though of course it is still mostly child friendly.
The animation is where Iwaju struggles a little. It is your classic Disney/Pixar CGI, and would be rather bland if now for the vibrant cultural motifs. I also do like that some characters speak native languages without being translated.
Overall a must watch.
The animation is where Iwaju struggles a little. It is your classic Disney/Pixar CGI, and would be rather bland if now for the vibrant cultural motifs. I also do like that some characters speak native languages without being translated.
Overall a must watch.
Beautiful Show and Phenomenal Animation
tomekagueory25 March 2024
I was hooked from the first episode. Iwájú is refreshing and the story is thought provoking. There are so many layers to the story line, that requires discussion. The writing was excellent and I was captivated by the dialogue, and the multicultural representation on-screen.
The colors, music, animation, and the story line are phenomenal. I enjoyed this show so much, that I also watched the "Behind the Scenes" show.
This is a show that I would watch again, with kids and by myself. I hope that there is either a sequel, or more shows coming from the Creators. It would have been better, if the show was longer. I won't spoil it, but I left feeling that I really wanted to see more.
This show deserves 10/10 or even higher, because it was amazing. I'm looking forward to seeing more from the show Creators.
The colors, music, animation, and the story line are phenomenal. I enjoyed this show so much, that I also watched the "Behind the Scenes" show.
This is a show that I would watch again, with kids and by myself. I hope that there is either a sequel, or more shows coming from the Creators. It would have been better, if the show was longer. I won't spoil it, but I left feeling that I really wanted to see more.
This show deserves 10/10 or even higher, because it was amazing. I'm looking forward to seeing more from the show Creators.
Visually beautiful. Spectacular voices.
joshuajpatillo27 March 2024
Good plot. Amazing setting. We'll produced. Good for adults and kids to enjoy together. After seeing Wish, I was so disappointed in Disney and thought they were off track, then I saw this and clearly Disney still has some great things to share with us. Hope this series gets cleared for future seasons. Don't sleep on this one it's definitely cinematic. Kind of gives a Black Panther vibe as to how tech is implemented but it focuses a bit more on being a family friendly show. Even with that focus it is relentless in bringing interesting scenes and content. Please, Disney, don't shut down this project, there is gold, here.
See also
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