Iyanu Review: Nollywood Animation Packed With Magic And Culture

Now streaming on Cartoon Network, Iyanu is a vibrant animated series inspired by Yoruba mythology, created by Roye Okupe and Brandon Easton. The story unfolds in a once-thriving land where magic and technology flourished under divine rule until the Divine Wars shattered the peace. Though darkness was defeated, its leader left behind a powerful curse, transforming the land’s creatures into twisted beasts.

With most of Yoruba land lost, humanity clings to survival within the walled city of Elu. Their only hope? A prophesied human known as the Chosen, destined to break the curse.

Plot

Behind the towering walls of Elu, the last city standing after a curse ravaged Yoruba land, the people known as the Inners welcome a new king, Oba Adeyinka. Life inside the walls is orderly, safe and deeply unaware of the pain that festers beyond them. Outside, where the cursed wilderness stretches endlessly, survival is brutal. Only the elite Esho warriors are permitted to venture out, and during one such mission, they encounter a terrifying beast, Ekun, tearing through the forest in search of a mysterious figure: the Chosen. The Oba and his council dismiss it as a legend.

But not everyone believes it’s just a tale. In exile beyond the city lives Olori, the last of the Agunì priestesses, guardians of Yoruba’s ancient truths, feared by the Inners as witches. With her is Iyanu, a girl of mysterious origins and extraordinary power. Olori has raised Iyanu in secret, training her in the old ways. Iyanu struggles with questions that have no answers: Who is she? Where does she belong? Haunted by loneliness and self-doubt, she secretly visits the city’s edge, yearning for connection.

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It’s during one of these forbidden visits that fate begins to unfold. When Iyanu defends a bullied boy, Toye, the scholarly son of Elu’s chief guard, from a possessed beast, her powers are revealed in full force. But instead of gratitude, she’s hunted. Olori sacrifices her safety to protect Iyanu, sending her on a perilous journey with one final message: “Go to where the water meets the wall. Everything you’ve trained for begins now.”

Iyanu’s path soon collides with danger and destiny. In a dark tunnel, she confronts Ekun. But in the heat of battle, a forgotten memory surfaces of when she and Ekun once played together as children. That brief spark of connection is enough to momentarily reverse the curse, but the darkness retaliates, dragging her into the river.

Washed ashore and weakened, she’s found by Biyi, a spirited wanderer who joins her quest. Back in Elu, court politics thicken, Nuro, the cunning chancellor, manipulates the new king while silencing Uwa, the foreign minister advocating for the common folk. Meanwhile, Kanfo, Toye’s battle-hardened father, launches a hunt for Iyanu, dragging his reluctant, bookish son along.

As Iyanu, Biyi, and Toye’s paths converge, the journey becomes more than a mission—it’s a fight for truth, belonging, and the soul of Yoruba land. Along the way, they meet allies, face enemies, and discover that true power doesn’t come from birthright, but from bravery, heart, and choice.

Cast

Serah Johnson as Iyanu, Adesua Etomi-Wellington as Olori, Okey Jude as Biyi, Samuel Kugbiyi as Toye, Blossom Chukwujekwu as Kanfo, Femi Bakes as Uwa, Babajide Oyekunle as Ekun, Femi Sowoolu as Nuro.

Language

Predominantly English narration, blended naturally with Nigerian English, Yoruba expressions, and cultural flavour, especially in songs, slangs, and eulogies.

Summary

Iyanu is a refreshing and commendable step forward in the world of African animation. Rooted in Yoruba culture, the show does a beautiful job of blending tradition, fantasy, and storytelling in a way that feels both familiar and exciting.

The voice acting is one of its strongest elements. Serah Johnson, who voices Iyanu, really stands out. Voice acting isn’t easy, especially in a space like Nollywood where animation is still finding its feet, but the cast held their own and brought real emotion to the characters.

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The plot is engaging and layered, rich enough to keep younger viewers hooked but with enough depth and tension to interest adults too. While it does share some similarities with Iwaju, Iyanu dives deeper into culture and character, with a broader cast and stronger ties to local tradition.

That said, not everything worked smoothly. Some scenes had voiceovers that felt a bit out of sync with the on-screen action, which made those moments slightly jarring. And then there’s the infamous pounded yam scene. Let’s just say it looked a little too slurpy to be believable. More comedy than culinary delight.

Still, despite its minor flaws, Iyanu is a solid and culturally rich show. It lays important groundwork for future African animation, proving that stories from here can be just as magical and meaningful as any from around the world.