ZIMBABWEAN creatives’ Midas touch is pushing boundaries and thrusting them onto the international stage.
In the latest plus for the country’s creatives, Tafadzwa Hove, Pious Nyenyewa and Tendayi Nyeke have raised Zimbabwe’s flag high by showcasing their artistry in the forthcoming science fiction African animation anthology, Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire premiering on the continent in a fortnight.
After its global premiere last month on Disney+ — an American subscription video on-demand over-the-top streaming service owned and operated by Walt Disney Company’s Disney Entertainment division — the anthology is set to screen across Africa on Disney Channel (DStv, Channel 303) at the end of this month.
It will premiere with double bills each weekday from August 28 to September 1 at 17:00 (CAT), with special five-film marathons on September 2 and September 3 respectively at 15:15 (CAT).
Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire is an action-packed animated sci-fi anthology presenting 10 futuristic visions from Africa, inspired by the continent’s diverse history and cultures.
Creators hailing from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Uganda and Kenya joined hands to present uniquely African perspectives to imagine brave new worlds of advanced technology, aliens, spirits and monsters.
Among the anthology’s creators are three Zimbabweans Nyenyewa, Nyeke and Hove.
Hove, a director/scriptwriter at Disney+, is a versatile filmmaker, with a background in animation, commercials and television narratives.
Through his works, Hove showcases his deep passion for animation and commitment to challenging stereotypes surrounding Africa.
His work revolves around narratives which explore experiences of outsiders and celebrate the triumph of hope, skilfully blending genres like sci-fi and humour to weave stories which defy expectations and shed new light about the continent.
Nyenyewa is an accomplished animation professional and the studio head of ALULA Animation, a highly regarded local animation studio.
Nyenyewa reckons that his directorial skills and creative vision were showcased in his role as the director of Disney’s Mukudzei, featured in the esteemed Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire anthology.
“I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all 14 directors who poured their creativity and passion into this project. Your dedication and talent have brought these stories to life, and I couldn't be prouder of what we have accomplished together,” he posted on his social media platform.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to Disney Plus and Triggerfish Animation for their bold investment in African animation. Peter Ramsey, Tendayi Nyeke and Anthony Silverston, you all punched above your weight, and the results are phenomenal.
“Thank you for your dedication and creativity. It is a significant step forward for our industry, and I am honoured to be a part of this groundbreaking collaboration. Thank you for recognising the immense potential and richness of African storytelling.”
Nyenyewa said as a proud Zimbabwean, the film held a special place in his heart.
“I dedicate it to all Zimbabweans, both in the homeland and abroad. May Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire serve as a testament to our resilience, creativity, and the power of our stories.
“Now, it is time for the audience to experience the magic we have created. I hope you all enjoy this cinematic journey filled with vibrant characters, captivating narratives, and the spirit of Africa,” he added.
Nyeke, who has written, produced and directed television programmes across global platforms is among the executive producers for Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire alongside Oscar-winning director Ramsey (Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse), and Silverston.
“Kizazi Moto to the rest of Africa on DSTV! It is wonderful to share the work with the people and continent that inspired it! Here is to broad distribution and the celebration of African animation talent,” she said.
Other team members of the anthology are Ahmed Teilab (Egypt); Ng’endo Mukii (Kenya); Shofela Coker (Nigeria); and Raymond Malinga (Uganda) Simangaliso “Panda” Sibaya, Malcolm Wope, Terence Maluleke, Lesego Vorster, Tshepo Moche, Nthato Mokgata, Catherine Green and Isaac Mogajane (all from South Africa).
Walt Disney Company Africa, senior vice-president and general manager Christine Service said: “We are excited to be bringing this innovative and celebrated series to viewers across the continent, giving those without access to Disney+ the chance to be part of an unforgettable ride into Africa’s future, presenting visions of the continent as never seen before.”
“The sci-fi series features an exciting cast from across the globe and includes the voices of Florence Kasumba (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever), Kehinde Bankole (Blood Sisters), Pearl Thusi (Queen Sono), Hakeem Kae-Kazim (Hotel Rwanda, Godzilla vs Kong) and Sheila Munyiva (Rafiki).
“It also features Stycie Waweru (Supa Modo, Supa Sema), Candice Modiselle (Generations: The Legacy), Lillian Dube (Soul City), Clementine Mosimane (Poppie Nongena), and Mandisa Nduna (Blood Psalms), as well as comedians Tumi Morake (Serious Single), Sne Dladla (Black Tax) and Tyson Ngubeni (A Royal Surprise) and rappers Nasty C (Blood & Water) and Gigi Lamayne (Temptation Island: South Africa).”
Triggerfish is the lead studio for the anthology working in collaboration with animation studios across the continent and globally.