Tag: iwaju episode 1 recap

  • Iwájú: Episode 2/3 – “Bọ̀dé”/”Kole”

    Iwájú: Episode 2/3 – “Bọ̀dé”/”Kole”

    The name Bọ̀dé in the Yoruba language means “to return, arrive.” In the series Iwájú, Bode appears in a flashback that shows his struggle as a young boy with a working mother. He steals money from his mother’s employer to buy a gold chain for himself. Back in the present, Bode is behind kidnappings using technology to track his victims with Kole is his accomplice.

    Back at Tola’s house, Kole is tending to the yard using robotic yard help which constantly breaks down but he easily fixed. Tunde notices Kole’s talent is very impressed though still holds him at a distance. Later on, Kole is approached by Bode to set Tola up to be kidnapped and held for ransom. Kole is desperate as Bode assisted his mother with money for her healthcare so he reluctantly agrees. The next day, Tola convinces her father’s driver as well as Kole to go to the mainland – without her father’s permission and takes her pet lizard Otin with them.

    On the mainland…

    While on the mainland, Otin the lizard wandered close and kept a watchful eye over Tola which was odd for a pet. Turns out, the pet lizard is actually a robot meant to protect children, more specifically Tola. This plot sounds familiar…M3GAN anyone? Tola and Kole spend the day exploring the mainland, eating lunch and checking out various arts and crafts. Tola tells Kole he is her best friend and has had a wonderful time with him on the mainland. This makes Kole extremely guilty as he was setting her up for kidnapping. Once he realizes his mistake, he rushes to get back to the vehicle just as one of Bode’s goons captures Tola. Otin the lizard realizes Tola is in danger and tries to rescue her but has a low battery and shuts down. A child notices the lizard, picks it up and the lizard latched onto their watch to get a bit of power. Though there were some wireless chargers such as these, it was difficult for Otin to secure enough power. Eventually, the lizard powers down and signals an alert to Tunde who rushes to the mainland in search of Tola…

  • IWÁJÚ Series – Episode 1: “The future” of technology

    IWÁJÚ Series – Episode 1: “The future” of technology

    Set in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria, IWÁJÚ is the exciting coming-of-age story that follows Tola, a young girl from the wealthy island and her tech-savvy best friend, Kole from the mainland as they discover the secrets and dangers hidden in their different worlds.  The show begins with Tola’s tenth birthday. Tola starts off getting ready for her big day using a smart bonnet device to pick her hairstyle with no stress. Technology is becoming more popular in every area of life including beauty and cosmetics. Tola continues getting dressed with the help of her robot house help. On a trip to the airport in her father’s flying smart car, Tola notices a flying street vendor robots hovering in traffic selling various treats. The vendors have a video screen showing the vendor’s face and arms to assist in the goods exchange.

    Once Tola reaches the airport, we meet Bode who is scanning various people with his smart glasses that show the person’s name and occupation. Imagine being able to wear a pair of glasses that can show you others’ information as well as cast live video chats and broadcast whenever! The closest we have today would be the virtual reality headsets. Bode sees Tola’s father Tunde and sets him up as a target. Once Tola and her father arrive home, Tola is feeling forgotten by her father and spends time with Kole taking pictures that she uploads to the internet. Later in the episode, she receives a “pet” lizard from her father Tunde not knowing it is a high tech robot meant to protect Tola at all costs. The series is not only visually stunning but also rich with cultural references and a thought-provoking narrative.

  • Iwájú: “The Future”

    Iwájú: “The Future”

    “Iwájú,” which translates roughly to “the future” in Yoruba, is an animated miniseries that marks a significant step forward in representation and storytelling. This collaboration between Disney Animation Studios and the Pan-African British entertainment company Kugali Media brings a vibrant Afrofuturistic Lagos, Nigeria, to life. The series is not only visually stunning but also rich with cultural references and a thought-provoking narrative. “Iwájú” centers around two young protagonists. Tola, a wealthy young girl residing on a luxurious, technologically advanced island, and Kole, a self-taught tech whiz from the mainland. Despite their different backgrounds, Tola and Kole share a deep friendship.

    Iwájú” embraces the concept of African futurism. African futurism is a genre that reimagines the future of Africa through a lens of technological advancement, cultural pride, and social progress. The creators took great care to capture the essence of Lagos, its vibrant energy, and its rich cultural tapestry. The soundtrack features a captivating blend of electronic music and traditional African rhythms, further immersing viewers in this unique world. “Iwájú” boasts a diverse and well-developed cast of characters. Tola, voiced by Simisola Gbadamosi, is a courageous and headstrong young woman who yearns for adventure. Kole, played by Dayo Okeniyi, provides a counterpoint as the resourceful and street-smart protagonist from the mainland. Their friendship forms the heart of the story, and their growth throughout the series is compelling to watch.