Yemi Alade to Record Theme Song for Cartoon Network’s Iyanu Series

Cartoon Network and Max have announced that renowned Nigerian singer Yemi Alade will record and perform the theme song for “Iyanu,” a highly anticipated superhero animated series.

The show, deeply inspired by Nigerian culture and mythology, is based on the popular graphic novel Iyanu: Child of Wonder by Nigerian creator and filmmaker Roye Okupe.

Produced by Lion Forge Entertainment, the series will see a collaborative effort for its main title theme song, involving Yemi Alade, Lion Forge Entertainment, Alcon Sleeping Giant, and Femi Agunbiade, the series’ lead composer.

Roye Okupe, who is also an executive producer, expressed his excitement about Alade’s involvement, stating that it feels like a dream come true for him as a long-time fan of the artist.

Set to premiere in the U.S. and across Africa in 2025, “Iyanu” will be available on Cartoon Network and Max in the U.S., and in 44 African countries via Showmax.

The series follows an orphan who must unlock her new powers to protect her people from an ancient curse. It is set in the enchanting kingdom of Yorubaland and is adapted from Okupe’s celebrated graphic novel series published by Dark Horse Comics, known for other popular titles like “The Umbrella Academy” and “Hellboy.”

The series features an all-African voice cast, including Serah Johnson as Iyanu, and also stars Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Stella Damasus, Blossom Chukwujekwu, and Shaffy Bello.