Sopo and the Future of African Animation

Mar 28, 2025

The African animation industry is experiencing a renaissance, fueled by homegrown talent, innovative studios, and a growing global appreciation for authentic African storytelling. One of the most exciting upcoming projects is ‘Sopo,’ a 3D animated short from Nigerian startup Creele Animation Studios, which is set to premiere in May 2025. Directed by singer-songwriter Nissi Ogulu, ‘Sopo’ is inspired by the early life of the legendary Afrobeat musician Fela Kuti and is positioned as a landmark production in the journey to establish African animation on the global stage.

The Pioneering Legacy of ‘Iwájú’

Before diving into the significance of ‘Sopo,’ it is essential to acknowledge the groundbreaking impact of ‘Iwájú,’ the Disney and Kugali Media collaboration that has secured three Emmy nominations, including a historic nod for Simisola Gbadamosi in the Younger Voice Performer category. ‘Iwájú’ broke barriers as the first-ever Disney animated series developed with an African studio, featuring an Afrofuturistic depiction of Lagos and themes of class, inequality, and resilience.

This remarkable feat has set the stage for African animation to be taken seriously on the global stage. ‘Iwájú’ not only demonstrated the storytelling capabilities of African creators but also proved that audiences worldwide are eager for content that authentically represents African culture and narratives. Its success has emboldened more African studios to pursue ambitious projects, leading to the emergence of titles like ‘Sopo.’

‘Sopo’: A Story Rooted in Culture and Music

Creele Animation Studios is pushing the boundaries of African animation with ‘Sopo.’ Inspired by Benson Idonije’s memoir, Dis Fela Sef! The Legend(s) Untold, the film reimagines the journey of Fela Kuti through the story of Oyejo, a young musician struggling for his father’s approval. The narrative explores generational tensions, the transformative power of music, and the importance of staying true to one’s artistic calling.

The title ‘Sopo’—which means “connect” in Yoruba—symbolizes the bridging of generational and ideological gaps through the universal language of music. This theme resonates beyond Nigeria, as many cultures have similar struggles between tradition and modernity, making ‘Sopo’ a universally relatable story with deep African roots.

A Vision for the Future of African Animation

The emergence of projects like ‘Sopo’ signals a shift in the African film industry. For decades, animation has been dominated by Western and Asian studios, leaving African stories underrepresented in the global animated film market. However, with increasing investments in animation technology and talent development, African filmmakers are now positioning themselves as serious contenders in this space.

1. Increased Investment in African Animation

With the success of ‘Iwájú,’ investors are taking African animation more seriously. Studios like Creele Animation are proving that African creatives can deliver high-quality content with strong storytelling. ‘Sopo’ has already attracted significant attention, with plans to expand into a feature-length film and discussions with distributors and streaming platforms for an international release. This level of ambition is unprecedented for African animation, setting a new standard for future productions.

2. Authentic Representation in Storytelling

For too long, African characters in animation have been portrayed through a Western lens. With local studios leading the charge, African animation is finally being told from an authentic perspective. ‘Sopo’ is a prime example, as it is produced entirely in Lagos and features music by Made Kuti, Fela Kuti’s grandson. The film not only tells a story but also serves as a cultural archive, preserving and celebrating African heritage in an accessible and visually stunning format.

3. The Role of Music in African Animation

Music has always been an integral part of African storytelling, and ‘Sopo’ leverages this tradition by using Afrobeat to drive its narrative. This fusion of animation and music introduces a new dimension to the film, making it both an auditory and visual experience. The use of Afrobeat, a genre deeply intertwined with African history and political activism, elevates ‘Sopo’ beyond entertainment—it becomes a movement that celebrates Africa’s artistic and revolutionary spirit.

Other Notable African Animation Projects

The momentum behind African animation is not limited to ‘Iwájú’ and ‘Sopo.’ Several other projects are contributing to the industry’s growth:

‘Iyanu’ (Nigeria): An animated superhero series based on the popular graphic novel Iyanu: Child of Wonder by Roye Okupe. The series, backed by Lion Forge, introduces audiences to an African mythology-inspired hero.
‘Supa Strikas’ (South Africa/Nigeria): One of the most successful African animated series, focusing on football and appealing to young audiences across the continent.
‘The Satchel’ (Nigeria): Nissi Ogulu’s first animated short, which laid the foundation for her ambitious work on ‘Sopo.’

What ‘Sopo’ Means for the Future of African Animation

The release of ‘Sopo’ marks a significant step forward for African animation. It proves that African stories can be commercially viable and critically acclaimed on the world stage. With the animation industry expanding rapidly, the success of ‘Sopo’ could lead to:

More African studios receiving international funding and distribution deals.
Greater employment opportunities for African animators, voice actors, and writers.
The development of animation hubs across the continent, similar to Nollywood’s impact on live-action filmmaking.

Conclusion: A New Dawn for African Animation

With ‘Sopo,’ Nigerian animation takes a bold step into the future, building on the momentum created by ‘Iwájú’ and other pioneering projects. As African creatives continue to push the boundaries of storytelling, animation is proving to be a powerful medium for showcasing the continent’s rich heritage and limitless imagination.

The rise of African animation is not just about entertainment—it is about reclaiming narratives, celebrating culture, and inspiring the next generation of creatives. With the world’s eyes on ‘Sopo’ and other groundbreaking works, African animation is poised to become a dominant force in global cinema, making Africa cool again in the process.