July 24th 2023.
On July 20, 2023, Netflix made history with the debut of its first original African animated series, Supa Team 4. Created by Zambian writer Malenga Mulendema, the series follows four undercover teen superheroes on a quest to save the world after being recruited by an ex-spy. Netflix described the series as “a fresh superhero story about girlhood, strength, and African ingenuity.”
Mulendema based Supa Team 4 in a futuristic setting that reflects Zambia’s capital, Lusaka. In a statement, Mulendema expressed her excitement for the world to finally get to see the show her team had created. She also expressed her desire to highlight Africa and open doors for more productions from the continent.
The series was pitched for Triggerfish Animation Studio’s pan-African talent search, and after winning the search in 2015, it was announced in 2019. Following the success of African productions such as the drama series Blood and Water, Netflix announced plans to expand operations in Africa in April 2023. The streaming platform expressed its goals to invest in the continent’s creative economy and showcase African stories globally.
Sampa the Great, who wrote the theme song for the series, expressed her excitement on Instagram: “Animations series shaped our childhoods and to know young Zambians get to see what they’ve never seen on TV before is Amazing!!”
Netflix’s Representation Matters Collection is paving the way for more African stories to be shared on a global stage. With the success of Supa Team 4, Malenga Mulendema’s dream of highlighting Africa and opening doors for more productions from the continent is becoming a reality.
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