Netflix launches first animated African series

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In a bid to grow its African content, Netflix has announced its first original African animated series, “Mama K's Team 4,” produced by Cape Town-based Triggerfish Animation Studios and leading London-based kids' entertainment specialist CAKE.

The series tells the story of four teen girls living in the neo-futuristic African city of Lusaka, Zambia who were recruited by a retired secret agent still committed to saving the world.

‘Mama K' was created by Zambian writer Malenga Mulendema, a winner of 2015's pan-African talent search – Triggerfish Story Lab.

As a young child in Zambia, Mulendema grew up watching cartoons on TV but she often wondered why none of the heroes looked like her or lived in a world that felt like her own.

“In creating a superhero show set in Lusaka, I hope to introduce the world to four strong African girls who save the day in their own fun and crazy way. Most importantly, I want to illustrate that anyone from anywhere can be a superhero,” commented Mulendema.

Melissa Cobb, VP of original animation at Netflix, said that the series has the potential to give a whole new generation of African children the opportunity to see themselves on-screen in the powerful, aspirational characters they look up to.

“In addition to giving African writers a global platform on which to be heard, we are excited to present this powerful and entertaining new animated series that brings Mulendema's incredible and unique vision to life on Netflix,” added Melissa.

The series is the latest one in Netflix's growing slate of original animated programming designed for kids and families everywhere.