By Patience Chat Moses
In an inspiring move set to elevate African storytelling to global platforms, Zaia Ventures and Taeps Animation have announced a groundbreaking partnership to co-produce “Adetoun & The Heart of Time.”
This collaboration aims to bring the rich tapestry of African myths, legends, and contemporary narratives to a broader audience, highlighting the continent’s vibrant cultural heritage.
Zaia Ventures is headed by former Prime Video chief marketing officer Ukonwa Ojo, while Taeps Animation Studios is a growing Nigerian outfit dedicated to bringing powerful African stories to life.
Co-founded in 2017 by long-time friends and animation enthusiasts Adeoyin Okuboyejo and Ayobami Bello, Taeps Animation Studios aims to usher in a new era of animation that celebrates African culture and heritage. The company is best known for the short film “Ewa,” which was nominated for Best Animation Short Film at the African Film Festival (AFRIFF) in 2023.
The studio is developing its first 3D feature film, “Adétóún and the Heart of Time,” which tells the story of Adétóún, the young descendant of an ancient warrior while following her journey against the backdrop of an ancient relic and a battle for supremacy that could alter the course of time itself, Adetoun explores themes of heritage, bravery and ancestry. Adétóún & The Heart of Time is a tale of selflessness and bravery rooted in the richness of Yoruba mythology and tradition. The film which can be classified under fantasy and adventure will be directed by Mark Eyesan and produced by Adeoyin Okuboyejo. “Adetoun & The Heart of Time” is set to be an enchanting animated series that will resonate with audiences of all ages.
Through her journey, viewers will explore various epochs of African history, meet legendary figures, and discover the profound wisdom embedded in African folklore. As a studio advisory board member, Ojo will lend her expertise and strategic guidance to support the company’s growth and development. She will bring her extensive experience in marketing and brand strategy to help the company develop its vision to inspire audiences around the globe with the beauty and richness of African culture. Ojo stepped down as chief marketing officer of Amazon’s Prime Video and Amazon Studios in 2022 after a nearly two-year stint with the streamer. During her time at the company, she launched 8 of the top 10 shows in Prime Video history, leading the marketing campaigns for movies like “Coming 2 America” and “Being the Ricardos,” as well as the series “The Boys,” “Wheel of Time” and “The Underground Railroad.” In 2022, she launched Zaia Ventures, a venture studio committed to building and scaling businesses that serve underrepresented and marginalized communities.
“I am thrilled to join forces with Taeps Animation Studios to amplify African voices and narratives in the world of animation,” said Ojo, founder and CEO of Zaia Ventures.
“Their commitment to authenticity and excellence in storytelling aligns perfectly with our vision at Zaia Ventures. Together, we will showcase the beauty, complexity and diversity of African culture to a global audience.”
Adeoyin Okuboyejo, CEO of Taeps Animation Studios, added that the collaboration with Zaia Ventures is evidence of a shared vision of celebrating African heritage through animation. He acknowledged that with Ukonwa Ojo’s expertise and support, their most ambitious project yet: ‘Adétóún and the Heart of Time’, will not only entertain, but also inspire and educate audiences on the uniqueness of African storytelling.
A Fusion of Vision and Creativity, Zaia Ventures, renowned for its investment in creative industries across Africa, and Taeps Animation, a studio celebrated for its innovative and captivating animated content, combine their expertise to create a series that promises to be entertaining and educational. Empowering African Narratives, this partnership will be beyond entertainment because of its strategic effort to empower African narratives on the global stage. By spotlighting African stories and characters, this partnership is not only contributing to the diversification of content but also inspiring future generations of African heritage. Through this partnership, Zaia Ventures and Taeps Animation are ensuring that African stories gain the visibility and recognition they deserve on the global stage. As viewers around the world tune in to Adetoun’s adventures, they will be transported into a world rich with history, imagination, and the timeless essence of Africa.