Your Exclusive Preview of the Yemi Alade-Recorded Theme Song for Animated Superhero Series, ‘Iyanu’

The main title theme song comes to life through a collaboration between Alade, the creative teams at the Emmy-winning Lion Forge Entertainment and Alcon Sleeping Giant, and Femi Agunbiade, who serves as lead composer for the series.

Titled “Iyanu,” Alade describes the song as “a love message from me to you” in an exclusive clip that also features the theme song and opening sequence. The “Don’t Jealous Me” singer has been in the entertainment industry for over a decade, capturing hearts with her widely acclaimed single “Johnny” and subsequent hits like “K-I-S-S-I-N-G,” “Na Gode,” and “Marry Me.” Known for her passionate celebration of African heritage, she has performed in stadiums around the world, collaborated with Beyoncé, and entertained audiences at the United Nations and for the British royal family.

“I’ve been a big fan of Yemi Alade for over a decade, so I nearly fell out of my chair when I heard she would be a part of ‘Iyanu,’” says Roye Okupe, the creator of the series who also serves as executive producer as well as director in some episodes. “I’ve gone from blasting her hit single ‘Johnny’ in my car in 2014 to listening to her stunning lyrics on the Iyanu theme song. This is an absolute dream come true!”

Iyanu centers a compelling, female-led narrative, following the story of a young orphan who must uncover the mystery behind her newfound power in order to save her people from an ancient curse. Set in the magical kingdom of Yorubaland, the animated series is adapted from Okupe’s popular graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder published by Dark Horse Comics/YouNeek Studios. Serah Johnson leads the all-African voice cast as Iyanu, alongside Nigerian sweethearts Adesua Etomi-Wellington and Blossom Chukwujekwu, and veterans Shaffy Bello and Stella Damasus.

Iyanu will launch in the U.S. via Cartoon Network and Max, and across 44 African countries via Showmax in 2025.