IWAJU|| A love Letter To Lagos.

For months on end, I saw trailers of this particular animation and all I could think of was “what could possibly happen in a Nigerian animation shot in Lagos?” The curiosity to see the animation creeped in like a green snake in green grass, but I just couldn't beat the feeling that it would be a total waste of my precious time.

Boy was I wrong!

After watching this series, I rushed to find out the actual meaning of the word “Iwaju” and when I found out it meant “future”, I knew this particular series was carefully and strategically crafted for viewers from all over the world.

This was an interesting watch for me. Little elements, details and incidents were put in place, ensuring a memorable viewer’s experience. After the series’ completion, all I could think was ‘this animation has really put Lagos on the radar’, hence my description of it as a love letter to Lagos.

About The Movie

Tola, the daughter of a magnate, lives on a wealthy island in Lagos, Nigeria, in a future where the city has been transformed by technology. Her best friend, Kole, lives in a less affluent mainland. Tola, being a very inquisitive young girl tries to learn more about her roots from the mainland, oblivious to the ‘class’ division and lurking danger.

With Kole by her side, she embarks on this very risky journey. Soon enough, the consequences of her curiosity catch up with her.

My Opinion

This animated Tv series was truly one of a kind as it showcased the richness and diversity of African culture. Set in a futuristic Lagos, the series seamlessly blended traditional Yoruba mythology with science fiction elements, creating a captivating narrative.

All I could think of was where else but Lagos? I can't think of any other place in the country, Nigeria, that has bits and pieces of elements that scream cultural heritage.

The vibrant colour and intricate details brought Lagos to life. Initially, I thought the colours seemed too much but with time there was a balance. This is similar to the experience foreigners get when they visit Lagos for the first time. The hustle and bustle of the place may seem too much at first, but with time and experience, one gets used to it.

Still on the producers’ attention to details, after watching the series, I came across an interview with one of the producers and he stated how he and and the rest of the team members paid extra extra attention to details because they wanted to portray authentic images to the world–as should be.

The themes of identity, community and intersection between technology and tradition were explored in this series. By incorporating the Yoruba language alongside the customs, the filmmakers created a truly authentic experience.

I particularly liked how smart and collected Tola was. She possessed a degree of confidence and boldness that many people do not possess in the world today. Tola was one to laugh in the face of danger and this made her a fierce and outstanding ajebutter. Her eagerness to learn about her roots was just astounding. I know many people who would give anything to dissociate from their roots and here is Tola, risking everything to get the most minute information about her roots.

Recommendation and Rating.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this series to all and sundry, particularly parents with kids between the ages of three to ten years old. This is because this set of kids would learn a whole life from Tola. Her resilience, her curiosity, her intelligence–both emotional and spatial–are a few of the qualities the series has to offer.

I would give the series a 4.5/5 rating because if I'm being honest, I was truly amazed. Iwaju is indeed a good and captivating watch. One you wouldn't want to miss out on.

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Liebe🤍

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