Netflix Suits Up for First African Animated Original ‘Mama K’s Team 4’

Netflix is adding to its growing slate of African content with its first original animated series, ‘Mama K’s Team 4,’ produced by South Africa’s award-winning Triggerfish Animation Studios and British kids’ and family entertainment production company CAKE.

Mama K’s Team 4 tells the story of four teen girls living in a neo-futuristic version of Zambia’s capital, Lusaka, who are recruited by a retired secret agent still committed to saving the world. The show’s designs by Cameroonian artist Malcolm Wope draw inspiration from ‘90s R&B and hip-hop girl groups. Netflix is collaborating with Triggerfish and CAKE to launch a continent-wide search for female writing talent across Africa to join the series.

The series was created by Zambian writer Malenga Mulendema, who was one of the eight winners of the Triggerfish Story Lab in 2015.

“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,” said Mulendema.

Both Triggerfish and CAKE have launched a continent-wide search for local female writing talent to join the series’ creative team. “Female writers from Africa who have had their work produced for either TV, film or theatre can find out more about the Writers Lab and how to apply from the careers page of our website, www.triggerfish.com,” Vanessa Ann Sinden, Triggerfish’s development producer, adds.

Photography Credits: Netflix