- Twende” is the first Showmax Original 2D animated series featuring a boda boda-driving pangolin, Twende, the slowest-moving animal in the savannah.
- The series, set in a fictional East African city, features Lupita Nyongo’s brother as the leading character.
- The show boasts an all-Kenyan voice cast, South African showrunner Greig Cameron, and an all-star crew, and it premiered at the Annecy animation festival, aiming to raise awareness about pangolin conservation.
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Lupita Nyong’o’s Brother Junior Nyongo, has been featured in a leading role in Showmax’s First 2D Animated Series Twende, even as the powerhouse streaming platform marks it’s entry into the world of 2D animated productions.
The show, set to premiere on December 4, 2023, boasts an impressive lineup of talent and a heartwarming story that is bound to captivate audiences across Africa and beyond.
At the center of the story is Twende, a lovable pangolin, known as the slowest moving animal in the savannah. The animated series follows Twende’s journey as a boda boda driver in the bustling yet fictional East African city of Milima. This seemingly contradictory existence, with Twende’s belief that “life is about the journey, not the destination,” sets the stage for a delightful and meaningful narrative.
Twende’s pilot episode already garnered attention when it screened in competition at Annecy, the prestigious international animation festival, back in 2021. The show is now ready to make its mark, thanks to the collaboration between the London-based Braintrust and Johannesburg-based Mind’s Eye Creative.
The cast of Twende features an all-Kenyan voice ensemble, with Junior Nyong’o, known for his roles in “The Legend of Lwanda Magere” and “Hamlet,” taking the lead role of Twende. June Gachui, renowned for her work in “Crime and Justice” and “Nairobi Half Life,” plays Nuru, Twende’s best friend and navigator, who happens to be a witty lilac-breasted roller, Kenya’s national bird.
Elsaphan Njora, a nominee for the Kalasha Awards, voices Boss, the perpetually broke and exhausted hyena who owns the boda boda agency where Twende and Nuru work. The showy stunt driver Kimbe is played by Charles Ouda, while Mkamzee Mwatela takes on the role of Madam Mongoose, the CEO of the evil tech empire Goober and Boss’s rival.
It’s noteworthy that while the series doesn’t directly address poaching, pangolins, like Twende, are among the most trafficked animals globally and are currently listed as endangered. The series creators hope that, amidst the humor and entertainment, audiences will develop an affection for pangolins and feel inspired to contribute to their protection.
The concept for Twende was born as the Maas brothers, Charlie and Regan, explored East Africa. Twende, the name of the series’ protagonist, was inspired by their humorous interactions with a guide who used the Swahili term “Twende” to encourage them to keep moving. This led to the birth of Twende, the Pole Pole Man, who, despite his slowness, embarks on a fascinating journey as a boda boda driver.
Crucial to the show’s creation was the involvement of local creatives. The creators, in partnership with Braintrust and Mind’s Eye Creative, sought out the best African writers, directors, and animators to bring Twende to life.
Twende’s impressive credits list speaks to the burgeoning international success of African animation. South Africa’s leading 2D animation studio, Mind’s Eye Creative, has been discreetly working on international content for renowned networks like Cartoon Network, Disney XD, Netflix, and Nickelodeon. This experience has earned them Emmy nominations and iEmmy wins.
Twende’s co-creators include Mike Scott and Kayla Archer from South Africa, along with an all-star writing team featuring talents like Zambian Malenga Mulendema, Nigerian Vanessa Kanu, Kenyan J. Njogu Macharia, and South African Sheldon Bengtson.
With original music by legendary Kenyan producer Eric Musyoka and a score by top South African music studios, Twende promises to be a groundbreaking production. As the first 2D animated series of its scale and quality created predominantly in Africa, it’s poised to captivate audiences when it premieres on Showmax on December 4, 2023, with new episodes available on Saturdays. Slow down, enjoy the ride, and embark on an enchanting journey with Twende.
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