Netflix Releases Its First African Animation Series

The majority of movie lovers especially from the African continent are currently buzzing after Netflix released its first African animation series titled Supa Team 4, created and pioneered by Zambian writer Malenga Mulendema.

The movie series is detailed and thrilling for viewers of all ages.

Supa Team 4 was created and pioneered by Zambian writer Malenga Mulendema, who drew inspiration from her childhood experiences of growing up in Lusaka.

Her dream was to create a show that exalts African culture and stories and illustrates the perseverance of young people. She also wanted to challenge the stereotypes that often govern Africa in mainstream media.

The series captures the adventures of four teenage girls living in a futuristic version of Lusaka, Zambia, who are recruited by a retired secret agent to save the world. They are taken into an underground lab.

In this lab, they discovered four sophisticated suits that eventually gave them superpowers. They also met Mama K, a mysterious woman who claims to be their mentor and guide.

She informs them that they are the chosen ones to protect their city from impending threats, such as an eccentric scientist, a violent gangster, and a giant – among many more villains.

These schoolgirls and main protagonists of the show are Wanga, a confident and pragmatic leader with the ability to manipulate electricity; Chipo, a shy but brilliant inventor who can create gadgets and machines; Tandi, a bubbly and energetic dancer who can control sound waves; and Zara, a collected hacker who can access any digital device.

With a powerful alliance, they put their efforts together in saving the world while fulfilling their chores and homework.

Mulendema’s dream wouldn’t have been accomplished without her cooperation with South African animation studio Triggerfish, as well as London-based kids’ entertainment specialist CAKE. Superprod Animation from France handled the animation for the series.

Supa Team 4 features an impressive cast of voice actors from across Africa and beyond. The four girls are voiced by Zowa Ngwura (Wanga), Namisa Mdlalose (Chipo), Nancy Sekhokoane (Tandi) and Sparky Xulu (Zara). John Kani from Black Panther and Pamela Nomvete (Coronation Street) also were involved.

Supa Team 4 was released on Netflix on the 20th of July 2023, with eight episodes of 22 minutes each.

The show is a blend of pure animation, action, comedy, and drama. With Supa Team 4, young people will be influenced to embrace their talents while African kids from the content would find meaning with something that is symbolic of their heritage.