Nissi Ogulu Uses Animation to Tell African Stories

Many people know the Ogulu family because of Grammy-winning musician Burna Boy. However, another member of the family is making a name for herself in a different creative field. Nissi Ogulu animation is helping introduce African stories to global audiences through powerful storytelling, music, and cutting-edge technology.

Nissi Ogulu is a singer, visual artist, engineer, product designer, and founder of Creele Animation Studios in Lagos. In addition, she won the Forbes Woman Africa Youth Icon Award in 2025 for her contributions to Africa’s creative industry. She is also the granddaughter of respected music critic and broadcaster Benson Idonije, who worked closely with Afrobeat pioneer Fela Aníkúlápó-Kuti.

Creele Animation Studios Brings African Stories to Life

Nissi founded Creele Animation Studios with one clear goal. She wanted to create authentic African animation for viewers around the world. Instead of adapting African stories to fit Western ideas, the studio develops original productions rooted in African culture, history, and traditions.

Business manager John Etienne explained the company’s vision.

“At Creele, our mission is simple: to produce African animation for a global audience. Incredible stories are waiting to be told, and it would be unfair to keep them hidden.”

As a result, the studio has become a platform for stories that celebrate African identity while meeting international production standards.

The company’s first animated short film, The Satchel, debuted in 2020. The film drew inspiration from Yoruba creation mythology and explored the stories of Oduduwa and Obatala. Consequently, it introduced audiences to the studio’s unique storytelling style and creative ambition.

SOPO Celebrates Yoruba Culture and Afrobeat

One of the studio’s most ambitious projects is SOPO, a 3D animated musical short film. The title comes from the Yoruba word meaning “connect.”

The film draws inspiration from Benson Idonije’s 2016 memoir, Dis Fela Sef! The Legend(s) Untold. Rather than telling a traditional biography, it presents an emotional family story against the background of Afrobeat’s early development.

The story follows Dotun, a father who wants academic success for his son, Oyejo. However, Oyejo dreams of becoming a musician. Their different ambitions create tension within the family. Meanwhile, the film explores love, sacrifice, identity, and reconciliation through music.

Nissi explained why the project means so much to her.

“The film is about the birth of Afrobeats and is an adaptation of a book by the great Benson Idonije, who shared his experiences managing Fela and witnessing the formation of the genre.”

Therefore, SOPO combines personal family history with one of Africa’s most influential musical movements. It also introduces younger audiences to the origins of Afrobeat in an engaging way.

A Family Collaboration

The Ogulu family worked together to bring SOPO to life. Bose Ogulu served as executive producer, while Made Kuti created the original soundtrack and musical score.

Meanwhile, the animation team produced the film in Lagos and collaborated with talented artists from different parts of the world. Their combined efforts helped create a visually rich production with global appeal.

The private premiere attracted several well-known figures from Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Mo Abudu, Wale Ojo, and Toke Benson attended the screening. Burna Boy also joined family members and guests to celebrate the project’s completion.

During the premiere, Nissi reflected on the power of authentic storytelling.

“Storytelling is not new, animation is not new, but it’s how we are choosing to do it. That is where the magic lives.”

Why Nissi Ogulu Animation Matters

Nissi Ogulu animation represents more than entertainment. It reflects a growing movement to tell African stories from an African perspective.

For many years, children across Africa watched animated films based mainly on foreign cultures. As a result, many rarely saw characters who looked like them or shared similar traditions. Nissi recognized this gap and decided to help change it.

Today, Creele Animation Studios creates stories that celebrate African heritage while appealing to audiences worldwide. The studio blends local traditions with modern animation techniques to produce films that resonate across cultures.

Nissi described the mission behind SOPO by saying:

“Through SOPO, we aim to connect African stories with global audiences, emphasising shared emotions and journeys while maintaining an authentic African perspective.”

Moreover, that vision extends beyond a single film. It represents the studio’s long-term commitment to preserving African culture through animation.

African animation continues to attract international attention. Meanwhile, Nissi Ogulu remains committed to creating stories that inspire audiences both at home and abroad.

Through Creele Animation Studios and projects like SOPO, she demonstrates that African stories deserve a place on the global stage. Furthermore, her work proves that local cultures can connect with audiences everywhere without losing their authenticity.

Ultimately, Nissi Ogulu animation is helping shape the future of African storytelling. By combining creativity, technology, and cultural heritage, she is opening new opportunities for African animators while encouraging young creatives to tell their own stories with confidence.