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Showmax to premiere Nigerian animated series ‘Iyanu’ across 44 African countries

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Showmax *Iyanu* Nigerian animation

Showmax partners with Lion Forge Entertainment to premiere *Iyanu*, a Nigerian animated series inspired by Yoruba mythology, across 44 African countries

 

Showmax, the leading online movie streaming platform, has announced a major partnership with **Lion Forge Entertainment** to premiere *Iyanu*, a Nigerian animated series, across **44 African countries**.

The series, inspired by Nigerian culture and mythology, is set to debut on **June 13**, with the entire first season available for binge-watching.

Dr Busola Tejumola, **Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa**, revealed the news in Lagos, stating that Showmax has also released an official trailer to give audiences a glimpse into the epic adventure.

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*”Iyanu brings Nigerian culture and mythology to life in an exciting and authentic way. We are proud to be the home of its African premiere and can’t wait for audiences across the continent to experience this epic adventure on Showmax,”* Tejumola said.

The all-African **voice cast** features talented actors, including **Serah Johnson** as Iyanu, **Okey Jude** as Biyi, **Samuel Kugbiyi** as Toye, **Adesua Etomi-Wellington** as Olori, **Blossom Chukwujekwu** as Kanfo, **Stella Damasus** as Sewa, **Shaffy Bello** as Emi, and **Ike Ononye** as Elder Alapani.

 

*Iyanu*: A Groundbreaking Nigerian Animation

The series is an adaptation of *Iyanu: Child of Wonder*, a graphic novel by **Roye Okupe**, published by **YouNeek Studios** and **Dark Horse Comics**. Okupe, who was born and raised in Nigeria, serves as the **creator, executive producer, and showrunner**.

Produced by **Lion Forge Entertainment**, a **Black-owned** North American animation studio, *Iyanu* will also premiere in the **UK and Ireland** on **ITVX** this summer.

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The executive production team includes **David Steward II, Stephanie Sperber, Kirsten Newlands, Matt Heath, Erica Dupuis, Ryan Haidarian**, and **Doug Schwalbe**.

David Steward II, **CEO of Lion Forge Entertainment**, expressed his excitement about the project, highlighting the dedication of Roye Okupe and the production team.

*”We’re thrilled to see Iyanu debut on Cartoon Network, Max, and Showmax soon. This series marks a significant step in our mission to tell culturally rich stories that connect with audiences worldwide,”* he said.

 

A Story Rooted in Yoruba Mythology

Inspired by **Yoruba culture, music, and mythology**, *Iyanu* follows the journey of a courageous orphan in the magical kingdom of **Yorubaland**.

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While studying history and ancient arts, she longs for a normal life—until an **imminent threat** awakens divine powers that have remained dormant for centuries.

Alongside her friends **Biyi** and **Toye**, and a mystical leopard named **Ekun**, Iyanu embarks on a quest to uncover the **source of the looming evil**.

As she battles dark forces, she unravels the **mysteries of her past** and discovers her true **destiny**.

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Entertainment

Lizzy Anjorin Questions Court Order Over Priscilla Ojo’s Son

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Nollywood actress Lizzy Anjorin has questioned the authenticity of an interim order issued by the Lagos State High Court on 2 September 2026, restraining her from publishing photographs of Priscilla Ojo’s one-year-old son, Rakeem Mkambala, and from posting editorials concerning the family on specified social media platforms.

Anjorin raised the issue during an Instagram Live session on Friday, 4 September, after Priscilla shared a copy of the court order online.

The actress argued that publicising court documents before formally serving the respondent undermines the case.

“Your case na dead on arrival. If you post court letter on any platform before serving person wey you wan go serve, that court case na fake court case,” Anjorin said during the live session.

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Her comments came shortly after the High Court of Lagos State granted an ex parte application brought by Priscilla, her husband, Tanzanian singer Juma Mussa Mkambala, and their son, Rakeem.

Justice Yetunde Adesanya issued the interim order in Suit No. LD/ADR/6646/2026.

The order restrains Anjorin, as well as people acting under her authority, from publishing, posting, circulating, uploading or broadcasting photographs of Rakeem on specified social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp and TikTok.

The court also directed Anjorin to cease publishing or broadcasting editorials concerning the applicants on the platforms covered by the order.

An ex parte order is made at an interim stage without the respondent being heard. The order is therefore not a final determination of the dispute and remains subject to further proceedings.

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Priscilla shared the certified copy of the order on her Instagram Story on Friday, bringing the legal development into public view.

Anjorin’s reaction centres on the timing and manner in which the court documents were publicised. Her assertion that such publication makes a case “fake” is her own claim and is not a finding contained in the court order.

The development marks another chapter in the prolonged public dispute between Anjorin and Priscilla’s family, particularly Priscilla’s mother, actress Iyabo Ojo.

The disagreement has played out largely on social media and has previously resulted in legal action, including a ₦1 billion defamation suit filed by Iyabo Ojo against Anjorin.

In recent weeks, the dispute has also drawn Priscilla and her young son into the controversy, following public comments by Anjorin concerning the family.

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BBNaija Kess Says Big Brother Makes Life Harder

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Kesiena Tony Adjekpovu, popularly known as Kess, has said that participating in Big Brother Naija can make life harder, offering a candid reflection on the challenges that may come with the reality television experience.

The former Big Brother Naija housemate made the comment in a statement shared on social media, where he suggested that winning or simply taking part in the reality show does not necessarily make life easier after leaving the house.

“Big Brother makes your life harder,” Kess said.

The remark has drawn attention because life after reality television can bring a different set of expectations, particularly as former housemates adjust to increased public attention and the pressure that can accompany visibility.

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Kess was a housemate on the seventh season of Big Brother Naija, which aired in 2022. He entered the show as a businessman and was among the contestants who competed for the season’s grand prize.

His time on the programme also placed him in the public eye, giving viewers an opportunity to follow his personality and relationships inside the house.

Kess’s latest comment offers a more reflective view of the reality TV platform, suggesting that the experience does not end when a contestant leaves the house.

However, he did not provide further details in the available post explaining which specific aspects of life after Big Brother he was referring to.

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Damilola Oni Suffers Backlash at Mama Deola Movie Premiere

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Damilola Oni

Nigerian actress Damilola Oni has come under heavy fire across social media over her controversial outfit at the star-studded Mama Deola movie premiere (more…)

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