Shofela Coker’s groundbreaking work on the animated series “Kizazi Moto” has earned him three nominations at the prestigious 2024 Annie Awards. The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy took to Instagram to congratulate Coker on his nominations for Best FX, Best Character Animation, and Best Direction for the episode “Moremi.”
The ministry emphasized the significance of Coker’s nominations not only for him personally but also for the Nigerian entertainment industry as a whole. As the first Nigerian to receive nominations in the 50-year history of the Annie Awards, Coker’s achievement highlights the remarkable talent within Nigeria’s animation sector and showcases its potential on a global stage.
“Moremi,” the fifth episode of the “Kizazi Moto” series, is a captivating sci-fi animation inspired by Nigerian folklore. The story follows a lonely spirit boy named Luo, trapped in a realm haunted by terrifying giants, who finds salvation with the help of Moremi, a particle physicist from Nigeria voiced by actress Kehinde Bankole. Through their journey, they uncover lost memories and confront formidable challenges.
The episode made its Nigerian debut at the Zuma Festival in Abuja on December 4, 2023, before premiering at the Filmhouse Landmark Cinemas in Lagos on December 6, 2023, in collaboration with the African International Film Festival (AFRIFF). The recognition received at the Rose d’Or Awards for the Children and Youth category further solidifies the impact of “Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire” on the international stage.