Animated Contents With African-Oriented Themes Can Mould Our Next Generations Positively, Says Ibironke Micromedia CEO
The MD/CEO of the Micromedia Group, Shileola Ibironke, has advocated for the production of more kids animated content with African-oriented themes to mould the country’s next generations positively.
Ibironke said this in an exclusive interview with Brand Communicator recently. She also revealed that Micromedia Animation Studio is set to unveil its first indigenous animated series ‘KIBI Quazi’ across different Cinema houses in Nigeria on May 27, 2024.
She pointed out that her reason for advocating for increased local content was that a high percentage of African children watch a lot of foreign animated content, and are not exposed to African-themed narratives.
Her words, “The demography of children within ages 0-15yrs are glued to animated content. They have built their world around foreign superheroes, foreign multi-dimensional games, and the virtual world (metaverse). They haven’t been provided with African orientation in terms of Wisdom, Purpose, Empathy, Success, Culture, Social and Geographical Landscape.
“It’s highly imperative that we begin to churn out more African-themed narratives that would mould the next generation. The future of content for Generation Alpha / GenZ is in Animated Formats.”
Ibironke explained further that her company’s animated series, KIBI Quazi, would be shown in cinemas nationwide to celebrate Children’s Day. It is targeted at a minimum of 150 (One Hundred and Fifty) Schools in different commercial cities including Lagos, Ibadan, Ilorin, Enugu, Port-Harcourt, Kano & Abuja.
According to her, Micromedia Group has taken a step further to ensure that locally made animated contents are premiered across rural and sub-urban regions in the country.
Her words, “Our movies are premiered in local states, thus serving as a leveraging platform for brands to connect to their consumers directly either via Talent-Hunt competitions or most recently, our introduction of Food Festivals & Cultural Shows at the Movie Premiere.”
The Micromedia Studio boss said that the Cinema locations are targeted in semi-urban locations with high population density – Abule-Egba, Mowe, Ibeju-Lekki. The company provides contemporary architectural designs and high-tech quality cinema experience with affordable pricing. This experience has provided a one-stop entertainment hub within these communities.
Ibironke further revealed that her organisation is focused on providing aspirational experiences to its customers and driving high footfall in all locations.
In her words, “We provide VR Games, Music Lounge, Dance Parties, Couples DateNight, Group Hangout, School Excursion, and Church Prayer Hangout amongst many other weekly activities at our cinema locations. Additionally, we have opened a Supermarket & Bakery to serve all customers strolling into our retail shopping malls.
“Our movie productions are geo-located to create a unique selling proposition to our clientele- corporate companies and broadcast networks.”
She stated further that doing this will not only promote Made in Nigeria and African animated content but to ensure its sustainability.