By Sharlene Versfeld
Published February 21, 2024
Enkai, an animation episode directed by Kenya’s Ng’endo Mukii and included on the 10-episode anthology titled Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, has won clinched the prestigious Annie Award for Best Limited Series (TV/Media) and been selected as a finalist for Prix Jeunesse International in the 7-10 Years Fiction category. Enkai, that is produced by Blink Industries, is a striking cosmic, end-of-the-world, high-stakes fantasy.
Produced by internationally renowned South Africa/Ireland-based animation studio, Triggerfish, the ground-breaking Disney+ Original Series Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire has so far bagged a number of honours this award season, marking a significant triumph for African animation in the highly competitive motion picture industry.
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The ground-breaking Disney+ Original Series Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, that consists of 10 episodes from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria and Egypt, also recently won the Kidscreen Award for Best Animated Series (Tweens/Teens) in San Diego in early February. These accolades recognise the creativity and storytelling expertise of the multi-talented team at Triggerfish, the lead production studio behind the anthology series.
The action-packed animated sci-fi series Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire presents futuristic visions from Africa inspired by the continent’s diverse histories and cultures, and has been enchanting audiences worldwide with its compelling narrative, vibrant imagery, and original characters since its release in July 2023.
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This achievement is a testament to the exceptional collaboration of the team behind the scenes. Guided by Disney, executive producers Peter Ramsey, Tendayi Nyeke and Anthony Silverston and helmed by a group of 14 directors from across the African continent including Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, the series was brought to life with authenticity and passion. The star-studded voice cast, included Florence Kasumba (Black Panther, Wonder Women), Pearl Thusi (Queen Sono), Nasty C (multi-award winning South African rapper) and Kehinde Bankole (The New Normal, Sista) delivering captivating performances, breathing life into the characters and enhancing the storytelling experience.
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This achievement is a testament to the exceptional collaboration of the team behind the scenes. Guided by Disney, executive producers Peter Ramsey, Tendayi Nyeke and Anthony Silverston and helmed by a group of 14 directors from across the African continent including Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, the series was brought to life with authenticity and passion. The star-studded voice cast, included Florence Kasumba (Black Panther, Wonder Women), Pearl Thusi (Queen Sono), Nasty C (multi-award winning South African rapper) and Kehinde Bankole (The New Normal, Sista) delivering captivating performances, breathing life into the characters and enhancing the storytelling experience.
Triggerfish also won an Annie Award for Best Music – TV/Media at the ceremony for its short film Aau’s Song, a fantasy Star Wars-inspired journey of a child finding her destiny, created for the Star Wars: Visions Vol. 2 anthology series by South African directors Nadia Darries and Daniel Clarke. Additionally, Aau’s Song has been nominated for a Prix Jeunesse International award. The series as a whole has also taken home the Lumiere Award for the Best Episodic – Animated.
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In addition to this long list of recent accolades, Triggerfish’s original Supa Team 4 on Netflix, inspired by Zambian creator Malenga Mulendema, is up for Best International Series at the British Animation Awards in March 2024.
The episodes on Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire anthology are:
- Stardust: Directed by Ahmed Teilab – Egypt
- Mkhuzi: The Spirit Racer: Directed by Simangaliso ‘Panda’ Sibaya and Malcom Wope – South Africa
- Hatima: Directed by Terence Maluleke and Isaac Mogajane – South Africa
- Enkai: Directed by Ng’endo Mukii – Kenya
- Moremi: Directed by Shofela Coker – Nigeria
- Surf Sangoma: Directed by Nthato Mokgata and Catherine Green – South Africa
- Mukudzei: Directed by Pious Nyenyewa & Tafadzwa Hove – Zimbabwe
- First Totem Problems: Directed by Tshepo Moche – South Africa
- Herderboy: Directed by Raymond Malinga – Uganda
- You Give Me Heart: Directed by Lesego Vorster – South Africa.
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“The affirming acknowledgement from these global awards marks a significant milestone not only for all at Triggerfish, but the African animation industry too, highlighting the growing recognition and appreciation for fresh storytelling and authentic representation of African narratives in animation,” says Triggerfish Executive Producer, Anthony Silverston.
