By Our Reporter
Hamid Ibrahim, the Ugandan-born CEO of Kugali Media, is making waves on the global stage as the Disney+ animated series Iwájú, co-created by Ibrahim alongside Toluwalakin “Tolu” Olowofoyeku, Olufikayo Adeola receives three nominations at the Children’s and Family Emmy Awards. Kugali became the first company in history to collaborate with Walt Disney Animation on an animation, marking a historic milestone for global storytelling.
The highly acclaimed animated series explores themes of innovation, inequality, and cultural identity in a futuristic African city, Lagos. It represents a global milestone in storytelling, paving the way for African creators to contribute significantly to the worldwide audience, cataloging and showcasing the vast potential of African talent in animation.
Speaking to the press about the nominations, Ibrahim said, “The three nominations clearly indicate that our work is having the intended impact. When we founded Kugali, our mission was to create high-quality, authentic African stories that resonate with audiences worldwide. These nominations confirm that we have achieved that original vision. As our mission evolved, we are also setting out to help develop the African creative economy, and we are confident that we will accomplish this too.”
Kugali Media, co-founded by Ibrahim, Tolu Olowofoyeku, and Ziki Nelson in 2017, has redefined storytelling by drawing deeply from African heritage, culture, and folklore. The Emmy nominations highlight Kugali’s dedication to authenticity and creativity, cementing its position as a leader in the global animation industry. This recognition is not only a victory for Kugali but also a win for Uganda and the entire African continent, demonstrating the universal appeal of African stories on the world stage.
“This achievement is a beacon of hope for the African creative community,” said Ibrahim. “It proves that our stories have universal appeal and that African creators can compete with the best in the world. The win is for all of Africa.”
Iwájú, which premiered on Disney+, has been widely praised for its stunning visuals, compelling storytelling, and deep cultural authenticity. With these nominations, Ibrahim and Kugali Media continue to inspire a new generation of African creatives to dream bigger and aim higher.