Iwaju: CEO Kugali Commends University of Hertfordshire For Disney Success

Chief Executive Officer of Pan-African Entertainment company, Kugali Media and co-creator of a Walt Disney Animation series Iwaju, Ibrahim Hamid has commended his alma mater University of Hertfordshire for helping him realize his potential.
The co-founder of Kugali Media, said studying at the university helped develop his confidence and skills, which enabled him to be the best he could be.

Born in Uganda, Hamid’s growing years were spent in Kenya. He eventually moved to the UK where he studied 3D Animation and Visual Effects at the University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield. Post graduation in 2017, he worked on feature film projects such as the remake of The Lion King, before co-founding Kugali Media, a company to promote stories inspired by African culture.
“I wanted to give something back for the rest of the world, and the first idea that came to mind was to tell African stories.

“I want to show the world what Africa can do and Iwaju is going to do that.” Kugali is focused on telling futuristic African stories through comic books, art and Augmented Reality (AR).
On how the entertainment company secured the interest of Disney, Hamid and his co-founders – Olufikayo Ziki Adeola and Tolu Olowofoyeku, had in an interview with BBC in 2019, said they would “kick Disney’s arse”.
Online entertainment media, Deadline reported that the comment got the attention of Walt Disney Animation Studio’s Chief Creative Officer, Jennifer Lee, which led to the creation of Iwaju.

The first original Nigerian Disney Animation, Iwaju is set in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria and follows the adventures of a young girl Tola and her best friend Kole who explore secrets of their two different world – a wealthy island in Lagos, and Lagos Mainland.

The series premiered February 21 on Disney+ and will begin airing on DSTV Channel 303 through the months of April and May, 2024.