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There’s a Yoruba saying: “Bí ọmọdé kò bá bá ìtàn, á bá àrọ́bá, àrọ́bá sì ni baba ìtàn” — Meaning: “If a youngster is not able to witness a historical event, he should be able to learn of it by oral tradition (or study), and this is a superior approach. He who knows history understands the way forward. In a time when our stories are either watered down or forgotten, Iyanu: Child of Wonder is a refreshing reminder of the richness of Yoruba heritage, retold in a way that excites both children and adults alike.
A Story Rooted in Culture and Wonder
Set in a mystical version of Yorubaland, Iyanu: Child of Wonder tells the story of a teenage orphan girl, Iyanu, who discovers that she has powers unlike anything she could have imagined. The story begins in the walled city of Elu, but as Iyanu begins to unlock her supernatural gifts, she sets off on a journey across the land—escaping her confines and searching for her destiny.
But this is more than just a superhero tale. It’s a story of self-discovery, resilience, and unity. Along the way, Iyanu is joined by her friends—Biyi, the adventurous one; Toye, the brainy bookworm; and Ekun, a magical and talkative leopard. Together, they form Team Chosen, determined to uncover the secrets of their world and fight an ancient curse threatening all of humanity.
The setting might be fantastical, but if you’re Yoruba (even in the diaspora), you’ll instantly recognize the names, the values, and the deep spiritual undertones that come straight from our culture.
Meet the Visionary: Roye Okupe
The mind behind Iyanu is none other than Roye Okupe, a Lagos-born creative powerhouse. Roye is the founder of YouNeek Studios, an entertainment company known for bringing African superhero stories to the forefront of global entertainment. His journey began with a dream to tell African stories with authenticity and flair—and he’s done just that.
In 2021, Roye made headlines when YouNeek Studios secured a 10-book publishing deal with Dark Horse Comics, one of the biggest names in the comic world. Iyanu was one of the first titles to launch under that collaboration. Now, the graphic novel has leapt from the pages to the screen with an animated series produced by Lion Forge Entertainment, airing on Cartoon Network and streaming on Max (formerly HBO Max).
Roye serves not just as the creator but also as the co-executive producer and showrunner of the series. For a Nigerian kid who grew up on Voltron and ThunderCats, this is the definition of full circle.
Why Iyanu Matters Now More Than Ever
For many of us in the diaspora, keeping our kids connected to Yoruba language, culture, and identity can be tough. Cartoons are a huge part of children’s upbringing, but how many can we say reflect our own heritage?
That’s where Iyanu comes in strong.
It’s not just entertainment—it’s representation. It’s our names, our belief systems, our proverbs, and our landscapes—animated in full color, with respect and creativity. The world of Iyanu isn’t just inspired by Yoruba culture—it’s soaked in it. From the Orisa-like “Divine Ones” to the magical realism that defines Yoruba spirituality, this series gives our children something to be proud of and connects them to a lineage that goes beyond the screen.
Even for adults, Iyanu opens the door to conversations about who we are and where we come from. The loss of ancient knowledge in the story mirrors the erosion of our traditions in the modern world. But just like Iyanu digs deep to discover her greatness, so must we.
Cultural Significance of Iyanu: A Global Yoruba Story
What makes Iyanu so special is how it takes local themes and makes them universal. At its heart, it’s about finding strength in community, trusting your roots, and answering the call to something greater than yourself. These are Yoruba ideals that have stood the test of time.
In the diaspora, this show is a love letter to our people. It reminds us that Yoruba culture isn’t just a relic of the past—it’s a living, breathing force that can powerfully influence pop culture today. Seeing names like Elu, Ekun, and Toye on mainstream television is a moment of pride for every Yoruba person, no matter where you are in the world.
The Future of Afro-Fantasy
The success of Iyanu is also a signal to the entertainment world: Africa’s stories are valuable, rich, and ready for global stages.
For years, African creators have been boxed into telling only one kind of story—usually historical or trauma-focused. But Iyanu proves that we can do fantasy, sci-fi, superheroes, and magical adventures, all while staying grounded in our culture.
This opens doors for more Yoruba stories to be told. Imagine animations based on Orunmila, Sango, or Oshun. Imagine comic book worlds set in precolonial kingdoms like Oyo or Ife. Iyanu is the seed, and the harvest is just beginning.
Where and When to Watch
If you haven’t already tuned in, here’s how to watch:
• Iyanu airs on Cartoon Network every Saturday at 9:30 AM.
• New episodes stream on Max (formerly HBO Max) every Sunday.
So whether you’re in Canada, the UK, the U.S., or anywhere in the world, grab your popcorn—or better yet, your gizdodo and zobo—and gather the family.
Final Thoughts: Our Time Is Now
In a world that often forgets us or misrepresents us, Iyanu is a bold statement: “We are here. Our stories matter. Our culture is magical.”
It’s a show that entertains, teaches, and uplifts. And for Yoruba families in the diaspora, it’s a bridge—linking generations and continents through shared values and imagination.
So, let’s support Iyanu. Let’s tell our kids the stories behind the Yoruba religion. Let’s pronounce the names with pride. And most of all, let’s remember that just like Iyanu, we all carry a bit of wonder within us.
