By Our Reporter
Kunda & Friends, a one-of-its-kind, music-led 3D animated series rooted in African culture and storytelling, has taken a giant leap onto the global stage, and it all began in Uganda.
The vibrant children’s series, created by Ugandan-led media company Kunda Kids, was the centrepiece of Grammy award-winning superstars Ashanti and Nelly’s son KK’s first birthday party in New York. The celebration marked the first time a Ugandan children’s brand headlined an international celebrity event.
Founded by Ugandan entrepreneur Louisa Olafuyi, Kunda Kids is fast becoming one of Africa’s most impactful creative exports. Created in partnership with Kampala-based Creatures Animation, led by former Disney director Raymond Malinga, Kunda & Friends is proudly made in Uganda and powered by Ugandan talent.
“It’s incredible to see a show we built in Uganda being celebrated around the world,” said Louisa Olafuyi, Co-founder of Kunda Kids and co-creator of Kunda & Friends. “To know that a child in New York, London or Lagos can sing along with characters born right here in Kampala is the dream. This is a call to all Ugandans to invest in and champion the incredible creative potential we have in this country.”
As part of the birthday celebration, Kunda Kids and Creatures Animation created a special custom episode, Happy Birthday KK, which premiered at the party and is now available on the Kunda & Friends YouTube channel. The animated short introduces KK as a character in the Kunda universe, with animated versions of Ashanti and Nelly joining in the fun.
Ashanti said: “As a mom, I’m really intentional about what KK is exposed to. Kunda & Friends is not just beautiful and educational, it’s rooted in culture and storytelling that matters. Watching my son light up seeing himself in that world was magical. This is the kind of content I want him to grow up with, and I am so thankful that Louisa and her team at Kunda Kids could make it so special.”
The party brought together stars from the global entertainment industry, including LL Cool J and singer Lloyd. Children enjoyed music, storytelling, and immersive Kunda & Friends-themed activities. Each guest left with gift boxes filled with books, party goodies, and Ugandan-made merchandise celebrating African heritage.
Happy Birthday, KK marks a major milestone for Ugandan media, the first time a homegrown children’s animated property has reached such cultural heights. With a growing global fan base, over 50 million YouTube views, and books and content in more than 400 schools worldwide, Kunda Kids is placing Uganda firmly on the map as a leader in African storytelling.
“This is just the beginning,” said Raymond. “Uganda is full of brilliant creatives, animators and visionaries. We’re showing the world what’s possible when we invest in our own stories. Now is the time to believe in our talent and take it global.”
