THE JOURNEY OF AFRICAN ORAL TRADITIONS INTO ANIMATION

For centuries, African cultures have preserved their histories, values and beliefs through oral traditions. Today, many are finding new life through animation, bridging heritage and innovation. This journey from spoken word to animated image is helping communities hold onto their past while also showing the world stories that are fresh, vibrant and deeply meaningful. Across Africa, several creators are already transforming oral traditions into powerful animated works. One notable example is Tinga Tinga Tales (Kenya/UK), an animated children’s series produced by Homeboyz Animation in Nairobi. The show draws from African folktales and uses vibrant art inspired by the Tingatinga painting style from Tanzania. Each episode explains the origins of animals and nature, such as “Why Giraffes Have Long Necks,” bringing storytelling and visual artistry together in a way that captivates both African and global audiences. Another remarkable example is The Legend of Ngong Hills (Kenya), a short film based on a Maasai folktale about an ogre who repeatedly attacks a village but eventually falls in love with a maiden. The film stands out for its deep connection to local landscapes, cultural motifs and emotional storytelling,  reminding viewers that African myths are filled with both danger and heart. In Nigeria, The Satchel, produced by Creele Animation Studios in partnership with Taeps Animation, reimagines Yoruba folklore through the mythic quest for a powerful artifact said to hold divine secrets. Rooted in ancient tales of Oduduwa and Obatala, The Satchel blends traditional storytelling with cutting-edge animation, proving that folklore can live vibrantly in modern creative forms. Similarly, Ghanaian filmmaker Abdul Ndadi’s Orisha’s Journey tells the story of a young girl who grows up listening to her grandfather’s fairy tales before embarking on a magical journey of her own. Along the way, she meets spirits and creatures from African mythology and learns timeless lessons about courage and self-discovery. The film elegantly bridges generations, showing how oral stories can evolve yet remain faithful to their origins. 

Transforming African folktales into animation is more than a creative experiment, it is a cultural renaissance. When oral traditions are adapted into animated form, they become a lasting archive of stories that might otherwise fade away. Animation gives these tales a new platform, allowing them to travel beyond the boundaries of the community and reach global audiences, including younger generations who may not have experienced them. Through animation, creators can enrich folklore with visuals, music and style, adding new dimensions while preserving the spirit of the original stories. Most importantly, seeing these tales on screen instills pride and reinforces cultural identity. It reminds African audiences that their heritage is rich, valuable and worthy of global recognition.

However, despite the growing success of this transformation, storytellers must approach it with care. Oversimplifying or altering the essence of a folktale can strip it of its cultural truth and meaning. Collaboration with cultural custodians like elders, historians and community leaders is essential to maintain authenticity in representation. Visuals, sound and character designs should reflect the culture’s true aesthetic, avoiding stereotypes or generic depictions. Finally, the art lies in the balance of staying faithful to the heart of the story while embracing innovation to make it relevant and engaging for today’s audiences.