LISTEN: African animation on the rise
“It’s only the beginning,” says animation producer, Mounia Aram.
'Supa Team 4' is Netflix's first African animated series. Photo: YouTube/AfricaOnNetflix (screenshot)
On the first installment of the African Success series, Clement Manyathela speaks to Animation Producer and Entrepreneur, Mounia Aram.
Listen to the interview below.
African stories have been shining on the global animation stage as African animation is on the rise.
Some recent titles include:
- Disney Plus’ ‘Iwájú’ from Nigeria
- Netflix's first African animated series ‘Supa Team 4’ from Zambia and South Africa
- Disney Plus' ‘Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire’ from Uganda, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, and Zimbabwe
Aram says while we are seeing the rise of African animation now, the studios have been working hard towards this for years.
“Animation takes time to be produced and to be delivered and now you are seeing the results. And the results are amazing, coming from different parts of Africa.”
Mounia Aram, Animation Producer and Entrepreneur
While the stories appeal to international audiences, African animation is unique because it speaks to a different reality.
“I think that the interest towards African content and stories is being original, being different, and bringing different stories because we have so many stories that look the same.”
Mounia Aram, Animation Producer and Entrepreneur
“Kids are now looking for different stories and different cultures… this is why we have our place now in the global audience… It’s only the beginning.”
Mounia Aram, Animation Producer and Entrepreneur
While the support from the creative industry has been positive, obtaining funding and government support is more challenging, says Aram.
This makes having conversations about the industry important.
“They still don’t see animation as a business, as an industry. As we see more content coming to Disney and Netflix we hope that we get more support from the government.”
Mounia Aram, Animation Producer and Entrepreneur
“It says that it is not only leisure or a hobby, it is a business that can create a lot of jobs. Africa is a young continent, the youth is there, they can learn and start a career in this industry and make money.”
Mounia Aram, Animation Producer and Entrepreneur