Netflix announced on Tuesday it has picked up its first original animated series from Africa. Mama K’s Team 4 is produced by Triggerfish Animation Studios and CAKE, a London-based kids’ entertainment specialist.
According to the press release from Netflix:
Mama K’s Team 4 tells the story of four teen girls living in the neo-futuristic African city of Lusaka, Zambia who are recruited by a retired secret agent still committed to saving the world.
Mama K’s Team 4 was created by one of the winners of the Trigger Fish Story Lab talent search in 2015. The show’s design by Cameroonian artist Malcolm Wope drew inspiration from ’90’s hip hop and R&B girl groups. Which, I must say, as a child of the 80’s and 90’s, I could see some Bebe’s kids/Proud Family inspiration.
I’m excited for this. I’m excited to see more inclusion and diversity in media today. Representation matters.
Malenga grew up watching cartoons on TV and found herself asking why no heroes looked like her and why they didn’t live 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 Malenga.
Triggerfish announced on their Facebook page that Netflix is looking for Black female writers from Africa to join the writing team for the Mama K’s Team 4 TV series. The deadline is May 17th and those interested can find more information on Triggerfish’s careers page. http://careers.triggerfish.com/
Netflix has yet to announce the release date of Mama K’s Team 4.
Edwin is the founder of BRO.geek. He has a passion for gadgets, comic books, comic book TV shows, movies, and the Philadelphia Eagles.
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