SOLA, The Afro-Animè Africa Deserves

Image by Neo Baepi

Animè hasn’t always been a genre of animation that black people could enjoy without being labeled “other” or to be “acting white.” There were various reasons for this, but perhaps as children, it’s difficult to explain an interest in something where you aren’t represented.

For Thandiwe Mlauli, New York Film Academy alumni and founder of Studio Yezi, SOLA will be South Africa’s first independently produced and women-led afro-animè. The animation industry is dominated by whiteness and men, making little room for representation off-screen and on-screen.

SOLA is an action-adventure, fantasy, and coming-of-age animè series for young adults. Sola, the main character, finds herself experiencing an awakening of her magic in a world where magic is life-threatening. Karabo Ntshweng, 5FM presenter and renowned voice over actor, will voice the role of Sola. Other characters like Daniat and Dulani will be voiced by Mixo Mathebula, of The Sisterhood of the Travelling Mgowo podcast, and Rifumo Mdaka, writer and theatre native, respectively. The cast will also be supported by United States-based rapper Kari Faux and New York Film Academy graduate, AJ Pitre, playing the roles of Kimacho and Lucresse.

It’s no secret that creative endeavors, such as an animated series, come at a pretty penny. Where many would seek funding, and subsequently make peace with relinquishing certain creative controls, Thandiwe is committed to raising the capital to produce the series via #MakeSOLAHappen. In addition to her ethos of maintaining the authenticity of Sola’s story, creating opportunity for new talent in the entertainment industry is equally important. #OpenUpTheIndustry was started to highlight the absence of fresh faces in South Africa’s art and entertainment sector and Thandiwe hopes to do her part as a director, producer, and showrunner with the opportunities she creates for African talent through SOLA.

Potential funders can visit www.studioyezi.co.za to make a contribution that will see the production team, cast and developers move closer to getting SOLA on national and international screens.