Speculations have been rife about the fate of Anthill Studios’ groundbreaking series, ‘League of Orishas.’ Amidst whispers of its demise, the series finds its voice again, with Niyi Akinmolayan, the visionary behind the studio, breaking the silence on the matter.
Anthill Studios, renowned for its daring storytelling, unleashed ‘League of Orishas’ upon the world in 2022. This animated series brought to life the rich tapestry of myth and magic of Yoruba pantheons in a way never seen before. This came after past learning experiments with ‘Malika’ (2018) and ‘Kajola’ (2010).
In an exclusive interview with Nollywire, Akinmolayan and Eri Emusu, the VFX Supervisor, unveiled the genesis of this ambitious project. What started as an experimental idea evolved into a full-fledged animated series, weaving together cultural nuances and mythological tales in a richly imagined universe.
What set ‘League of Orishas’ apart was its seamless integration of cultural contexts and Yoruba mythology, expanding upon the universe established in Femi Adebayo and Adebayo Tijani’s ‘King of Thieves (Agesinkole).’
The premiere of the series on Anthill Studios’ YouTube channel garnered widespread acclaim for its inventive storytelling, captivating voiceovers, and meticulous attention to detail in costume and sound design.
A comment read, “This is so innovative and inspiring. I’ve been looking forward to a day when African mythology will shine. And that day is here.” Another from Zimbabwe wrote, “Watching this from Zimbabwe, I’m completely blown away. The action, music, and narration are just perfect. You are doing Africa proud.”
Almost eighteen months after its last episode, fans continue to clamour for more, eagerly anticipating the return of their beloved animated saga, and speculation swirls about the series’ demise.
Addressing these concerns on behalf of Akinmolayan, Iremhen Ilozobhe, Anthill Studios’ Head of Marketing and PR, has shed light on the studio’s strategic silence. Far from being abandoned, ‘League of Orishas’ is undergoing a metamorphosis as the studio embarks on a bold new chapter, aiming to elevate the series to even greater heights
“We believe in giving Nigerians an experience like never before,” remarked Ilozobhe. “The hiatus was a deliberate choice to elevate the series to new heights. Hence, we are taking our time with the project. So, we want to be strategic with marketing and PR for the series. Rest assured, ‘League of Orishas’ will return, and when it does, it will surpass all expectations.”
In conclusion, the future of the series shines brighter than ever before. So, to all the eager fans awaiting the resurgence of ‘League of Orishas’ as Akinmolayan and Anthill Studios meticulously craft its revival, the journey is far from over.
Stay tuned for what promises to be an epic return to the world of Ajanaku.
