We’ve been enthusiastically following the development of Malika: Warrior Queen, the graphic novel from Roye Okupe, the writer and CEO of YouNeek Studios. Last year, Okupe made known his plans to turn the popular comic into an animated series, set to be produced entirely in Nigeria.

Now, the studio has tapped talented actress, Adesua Etomi to voice the lead role of Malika in an upcoming animated pilot. Malika: Warrior Queen is a two-part graphic novel set in 15th century pre-colonial Africa.

Even though Malika and her kingdom are fictional characters, the world they inhabit is very real, featuring the Oyo Empire, Timbuktu and other historical locations. The animated pilot was written and directed by Roye Okupe; and executive produced by Niyi Akinmolayan of Anthill Studios and it consists of three scenes with a total runtime of 15 minutes.

Voicing along Etomi are other entertainment veterans like Femi Branch, Deyemi Okanlowon, Blossom Chukwujekwu and Sambassa Nzeribe.

YouNeek Studios has an enviable portfolio of African-inspired superheroes and an extensive catalogue of graphic novels. We’re super excited about this pilot!