Netflix presents its first animated series from Africa, "Mama K's Team 4" – Variety

Netflix adds to its growing list of African content with its first original animated series, "Mama K's Team 4", produced by award-winning South African studios Triggerfish Animation Studios and UK-based entertainment production company CAKE .

The series follows four teenage girls living in a futuristic version of Lusaka, Zambia, who are recruited by a retired secret agent to save the world. It was created by Zambian writer Malenga Mulendema, who in 2015 was one of eight winners of the Triggerfish Story Lab, a pan-African talent search supported by the Cape Town-based animation studio and The Walt Disney Co. The series was designed by L & # 39; s Cameroonian artist Malcolm Wope.

Over the last decade, Triggerfish has become a driving force behind the emerging animation industry in South Africa. His first two animated films, "Adventures in Zambezia" (2012) and "Khumba" (2013), are two of the five most popular South African films of all time.

Mulendema said he was inspired by the experience of watching child cartoons in his native Zambia, where none of the heroes looked like him or lived in a world that resembled his own. "By creating a superhero show in Lusaka, I hope to introduce four strong African girls to the world who are saving the day in their fun and crazy way," she said. "Most importantly, I want to illustrate that no matter who from anywhere can be a super hero."

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"Mama K's Team 4" is the latest African original from Netflix, which has just announced its first two drama series on the continent. The Streamer now collaborates with Triggerfish and CAKE on pan-African search for local female writing talents to join the series' creative team.

"In addition to giving African writers a global platform on which to be heard, we are excited to present this new series of powerful and entertaining animation that brings to life the incredible and unique vision of Malenga on Netflix, "said Melissa Cobb, vice president of original animation. to the streamer. "Mama K Team 4" has the potential to give a whole new generation of African children the opportunity to see themselves on screen under the powerful and ambitious characters they admire. "

Triggerfish collaborations with Magic Light Pictures in the UK have produced four award-winning Christmas adaptations, including Roald Dahl's "Revolting Rhymes" (2016), which has been nominated for an Oscar and has won more than 15 awards international organizations, including an international award. Emmy. The studio is currently producing its third feature film, "Seal Team."

Vanessa Ann Sinden, Development Producer at Triggerfish, said, "After hosting four award-winning BBC-awarded Christmas specials in England, including the Oscar-nominated Revolting Rhymes," Triggerfish is delighted to give life to an African capital. "