WHY AFRICAN FOLKLORE IS THE UNTAPPED GOLDMINE OF GLOBAL ANIMATION

When we think of animation, many people quickly picture big studios and superheroes with superpowers but right here in Africa, we are sitting on something even more powerful, our stories. African folklore is full of rich characters, strange creatures, wise sayings, and unforgettable adventures. These are stories that have been passed down for generations, told by firelight, and whispered into the ears of children by grandmothers and village elders. These stories are not just entertaining. They carry deep lessons, strong emotions, and a sense of identity. They show us where we come from and who we are. Yet for a long time, they have been ignored by the global animation industry. That is beginning to change. Little by little, creators across the continent are digging into this goldmine and the world is beginning to notice.

There is something fresh and exciting about hearing the tale of Anansi the Trickster, or watching a clever tortoise trick a strong lion. These are not just African stories, they are human stories. They speak about greed, love, courage and survival. They are universal, yet different from anything you see in most cartoons today.

Animation gives us a chance to bring these old stories to life in new ways. With bright colours, bold voices and moving pictures, we can take these tales from the past and make them feel brand new. The beauty of folklore is that it already has strong characters and strong plots. All we need to do is listen, learn and reimagine. At our studio, we believe this is where the magic lives. The future of animation can be African. Not because we are trying to copy what others have done but because we are telling our own stories in our own way and that is something the whole world has been waiting to see.