Global streaming leader Netflix has unveiled its first original African animated series, titled Mama K’s Team 4. This initiative comes as Netflix continues to expand its footprint across Africa and intensifies its acquisition of locally sourced content.
Set in a futuristic version of Zambia, the series follows four teenage girls who are recruited by a former secret agent to save the world. Produced by South Africa’s award‑winning animation studio Triggerfish Animation Studios in collaboration with the UK‑based kids and family entertainment company CAKE Entertainment, Mama K’s Team 4 is written by Zambian creator Malenga Mulendema, whose vision brings fresh energy to the classic cartoon genre.
Growing up watching cartoons, Malenga wondered why heroes who looked like her or lived in worlds that felt like hers, rarely appeared on screen. In creating a superhero show anchored in Lusaka, she aimed to deliver “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.”
Visually, the series draws inspiration from ’90s retro‑R&B and hip‑hop girl groups. French‑Cameroonian artist Malcolm Wope designed the look of the series to reflect this evocative style.
Melissa Cobb, Netflix’s Vice President of Original Animation, states: “Beyond giving African writers a global platform, we are excited to present this powerful and entertaining new animated series that brings Malenga’s incredible and unique vision to life on Netflix. ‘Mama K’s Team 4’ has the potential to give a whole new generation of African children the opportunity to see themselves on screen in the powerful, aspirational characters they look up to.”
In addition, Netflix along with Triggerfish and CAKE have launched a continent‑wide search for local female writing talent to join the creative team on the series. This presents a unique global opportunity for African women writers to contribute and be heard.
The commissioning of this series also comes in the wake of Netflix’s appointment of Kenyan film producer Dorothy Ghettuba as Manager for International Originals, a clear demonstration of the streaming giant’s growing interest in curating content from Africa.
It’s an exciting time for African filmmakers: global production and streaming companies such as Amazon, HBO, Universal Pictures, Fox and Warner Bros are now commissioning projects rooted in African stories, delivering unprecedented opportunities for home‑grown talent.
