These superheroes are the new kids on the block!
Netflix released a new Black animation series as a part of its Representation Matters Collection last week, Black Enterprise reports. Supa Team 4 is the first original African animated series to hit the streaming giant, created by Zambian writer Malenga Mulendema. The series was first announced in 2019, originally named “Mama Ks Team 4.” The series is set in Zambia’s capital of Lusaka. At the time, Mulendema spoke of her commitment to bringing African representation to the global market.
“In creating a superhero show set in Lusaka, I hope to introduce the world to four strong African girls who save the day in their own fun and crazy way. Most importantly, I want to illustrate that anyone from anywhere can be a superhero,” Mulendema said via statement.
The show follows four undercover teen superheroes who are recruited by a former spy. The teens use their powers to fight crime while juggling the hassle of everyday life and school. A new kind of superhero origin story, Supa Team 4 places a premium on the magic that is Black girls, “strength, and African ingenuity.”
The idea was originally pitched by Mulendema for Triggerfish Animation Studios pan-African talent search. Mulendema won the search contest in 2015 and the series was picked up in 2019. Netflix announced its commitment to expand operations on the continent earlier this year after the success of African produced series like Blood and Water, which was filmed in Cape Town, South Africa. By investing in Africa based creatives, they hope to shine a light on the continent’s creatives.
“We’ll build on these milestones to grow our business while continuing to invest in supporting local creative economies and giving more and more African storytellers an amplified voice on the global stage,” said Netflix.
Mulendema said she’s ecstatic about the historic milestone and excited for the reception from audiences worldwide. Sampa the Great, songwriter for the series theme song, took to social media to reflect on the importance of the series for young Zambians, calling it “Amazing!!”
“I’m excited that the world finally gets to see the fantastic show that the incredibly talented super team, from Africa and beyond, have put together…We hope Supa Team 4…will lead to further investment and collaboration so we can continue to grow the industry,” said Mulendema.
Supa Team 4 is currently streaming on Netflix.
Cover photo: Netflix releases first original African animation series, “Supa Team 4”/Photo Courtesy of Netflix