Iyanu Cast & Character Guide

Iyanu‘s entirely African cast brings a level of authenticity to the characters in Cartoon Network’s newest animated epic. Set in the fantastical kingdom of Yorubaland, Iyanu follows a girl who discovers that her isolated upbringing in the forests was in part to prepare her for a mysterious and important destiny. While Iyanu remains very firmly at the core of the epic, the rest of the cast boasts some compelling characters and fun riffs on archetypes of the genre.

Based on Roye Okupe and Godwin Akpan’s graphic novel series, the show was conceived of as a way to use Nigerian culture, history, art, and mythology to flesh out a magical world. As part of this process, Iyanu only cast African actors in the main roles, serving as a showcase for new talent right alongside some of Nigeria’s biggest film stars. Here are the stars of Iyanu and where else audiences can find them.

Serah Johnson As Iyanu

Born In Nigeria

Active Since: 2024

Actor: Serah Johnson is the star of Iyanu, playing the titular hero. A voice actor, director, and audio engineer from Nigeria, Johnson’s first-ever starring role is Iyanu. She had previously made her voice-acting debut in the 2024 TV movie Professor T.E.E and the Problem Solvers as Tinuke. Johnson has also worked in other capacities as a voice-over performer, earning a nomination at the 2022 African Podcast and Voice Awards. Iyanu is a major break for Johnson, a meaty lead role that could establish her as a more permanent fixture in the voice-over community.

Notable Serah Johnson Films/TV Shows	Role
Professor T.E.E and the Problem Solvers	Tinuke
Iyanu	Iyanu

Character: Iyanu is the main character in Iyanu. Known as the Chosen, Iyanu is fated to play a major role in saving Yorubaland from the nefarious forces moving behind the scenes. A headstrong and clever girl, Iyanu must overcome her self-doubt if she wants any chance of liberating her adopted mother Olari, freeing the forests from the corruption influencing them, and learning the truth about her origins.

Adesua Etomi-Wellington As Olari

Born February 22, 1988

Active Since: 2012

Actor: Adesua Etomi-Wellington stars in Iyanu as Olari, the titular young girl’s caregiver. Born in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, Etomi-Wellington eventually moved to England as a teenager. After getting her start in theatre, Etomi-Wellington made the shift to film and television. Etomi-Wellington broke out in Nigerian films like Falling, which earned her a 2016 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award for Best Actress in a Drama. She has remained a major figure in Nigerian cinema and was even named one of Vogue’s “global superstars” in 2019.

Notable Adesua Etomi-Wellington Film/TV Shows	Roles
Falling	Muna
Sugar Rush	Susie
Gangs Of Logos	Gift

Character: Olari is a maternal figure and guardian for Iyanu as she grows up. The last surviving member of the secretive order of priestesses known as the Agoni, Olari has spent years raising Iyanu away from the city walls in an effort to prepare her for a mysterious destiny. Pragmatic and reserved, Olari’s secrets — and genuine care for Iyanu — make her a target for villainous characters like Nuro.

Stella Damasus As Sewa

Born April 24, 1978

Active Since: 1995

Actor: Stella Damasus is a mainstay of Nigerian film and music. Growing up in Benin City in the South-South region of Nigeria, Stella Damasus graduated from the University of Lagos and quickly found work as an actor and singer. After appearing in several films and shorts, Damasus earned a nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 2006 African Movie Awards for her performance in Behind Closed Doors. She’s since remained a major presence in Nigerian film and television while also making memorable appearances in shows like Mo and headlining films like Victoria.

Notable Stella Damasus Films/TV Shows	Role
Gone	Ngozi
Mo	Ginika
Victoria	Victoria

Character: A former member of the Agoni before being exiled by Olari under mysterious circumstances, Sewa is one of Iyanu’s mentors. Leader of the village that Iyanu’s new friend/potential love interest Biyi hails from, Sewa’s knowledge about the Chosen One makes her a crucial ally for Iyanu. Despite her genial external layer, Sewa also quickly proves to be crafty and uncompromising in her efforts to prepare Iyanu for the coming conflicts.

Iyanu’s Supporting Cast & Characters

Iyanu’s Cast Are All African Performers

The rest of Iyanu‘s supporting cast largely help flesh out the greater world of Yorubaland, setting the stage for plenty of conflict in future storylines. By Iyanu’s side are the rest of “Team Chosen,” he newfound friends the wild child Biyi and the bookish Toye. Biyi and Toye are played by Okey Jude (Hotel Labamba) and Samuel Kugbiya (Professor T.E.E and the Problem Solvers). Toye’s father Kanfo, the no-nonsense captain of the royal guard, is played by Blossom Chukwujekwu (Knocking on Heaven’s Door).

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The mysterious royal adviser Nuro is teased as the central villain of Iyanu, and is played by newcomer Femi Sowooli. His main rival is Uwa, the soft-hearted brother of the new chief in Yorubaland’s capital city. Uwa is played by Oluwafemi Olugbade, who, like Sowooli, is making his formal debut in the show. Shaffy Bello (Tinsel) appears as Emi, otherwise known as the One Mother. Iyanu‘s commitment to bringing African voices and culture to Cartoon Network’s latest animated show is clear on several levels, but perhaps none more so than with the main cast of the series.