Creele Animation Studios, the Nigerian startup founded by Nissi Ogulu, held a star-studded private premiere of its second 3D animated short film, SOPO, in Lagos two weeks ago. Attendees included family, well-wishers, and industry figureheads from across Nigerian society — among them Burna Boy and his mother, renowned talent manager Bose Ogulu, Mo Abudu, Wale Ojo, and Toke Benson.
The premiere marked a significant moment for the growing African animation scene. SOPO, which means “connect” in Yoruba, follows the emotional journey of Dotun, a father burdened by academic expectations, and his musically gifted son, Oyejo. Against a backdrop of intergenerational tension and the soulful rhythms of Afrobeats, the two slowly find their way back to each other.
“Storytelling is not new, animation is not new, but it’s how we are choosing to do it. That is where the magic lives,” said Nissi at the screening.
Though the film is not yet available to the public, Brannon Phillips of the entertainment, marketing, and talent agency, C.S.A., told OkayAfrica: “Creele Studios is currently in distribution negotiations. It will only be available to the public once distribution is finalized, likely alongside a longer-format release.”
The project is a family affair: the original score was composed and produced by Afrobeats musician Made Kuti, and executive produced by Bose Ogulu. “We believe in the future of African animation. SOPO is just the beginning of our journey to redefine storytelling and make it accessible to all,” Bose said.
Photo by Creele Animation Studios
A press image from the Animated 3D short, SOPO, which follows the strained relationship between a father and his son
Inspired in part by Dis Fela Sef! The Legend(s) Untold, a memoir by legendary music critic and former Fela Kuti manager Benson Idonije, the film is both a tribute to Nigeria’s rich musical legacy and a bold step into its animated future.
“SOPO is not just an animated film, it's a visually stunning and historically rich chronicle of the birth of a movement,” said Nissi. “This project is a celebration of our roots and an exploration of the transformative power of music. It's part of a larger movement to Make Africa Cool Again."
Produced entirely in Lagos with contributions from global animation professionals, the film reflects Creele’s broader mission to develop indigenous intellectual property, reduce production costs for African creators, and push authentic Black storytelling to global audiences.
“There has never been a better time to take African animation mainstream,” said Creele’s Business Manager, John Etienne. “Nollywood is already the third-largest film market globally. We believe African animation is having its Toy Story moment.”- How "Iyanu" Bridges Hollywood and Nollywood ›
- ‘Iyanu’ Has Been Renewed for a Second Season ›
- Your Exclusive Preview of the Yemi Alade-Recorded Theme Song for Animated Superhero Series, ‘Iyanu’ ›
- Roye Okupe is Championing African Representation in Animation ›
- This Video Explores the Rise of Nigeria's Animation Industry ›