Ugandan-born Hamid Ibrahim, CEO of Kugali Media, has achieved a historic milestone as Iwájú movie received three nominations at the Children’s and Family Emmy Awards.
The Disney+ animated series he co-created marks the first collaboration between Walt Disney Animation and an independent company, positioning Kugali as a trailblazer in global storytelling.
The series, co-created by Ibrahim, Toluwalakin “Tolu” Olowofoyeku, and Olufikayo Adeola, explores themes of innovation, inequality, and cultural identity within a futuristic African city, Lagos.
Reflecting on the nominations, Ibrahim stated, “The three nominations clearly indicate that our work is having the intended impact.”
“When we founded Kugali, our mission was to create high-quality, authentic African stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.”
“These nominations confirm that we have achieved that original vision.”
Founded in 2017, Kugali Media has redefined animation by drawing deeply from African culture, heritage, and folklore.
Ibrahim said this achievement was a victory for Kugali and the entire African continent.
“It proves that our stories have universal appeal and that African creators can compete with the best in the world.”
Since its premiere on Disney+, Iwájú has garnered praise for its visually stunning animation and culturally rich storytelling.
By earning Emmy nominations, Kugali Media inspires a new generation of African creatives to aspire to global success.
“This achievement is a beacon of hope for the African creative community,” Ibrahim added, noting that Kugali’s mission now includes fostering the African creative economy.
