A while ago, we reported that Netflix was doubling down on creating more African content. Since then, the streaming giant has picked up Queen Sono, their first-ever African original series; and Turn Up Charlie, an original series in which Idris Elba plays a Nigerian DJ.

Yesterday, Netflix took it a step forward by announcing its first original African animated series, Mama K’s Team 4, produced by Cape Town-based Triggerfish Animation Studios and leading London-based kids’ entertainment specialist, CAKE.

(Photo: Mama K’s Team 4/Netflix)

Created by Zambian writer, Malenga Mulendema, and designed by Cameroonian artist, Malcolm Wope, the series follows four teenage girls, all living in a neo-futuristic version of Lusaka, Zambia, who are recruited by a retired secret agent to save the world.

The series draws visual inspiration from ’90s r&b and hip-hop girl groups; and to top that all off, Netflix is collaborating with Triggerfish Animation studio and CAKE to launch a continent-wide search for local female writing talent.

Malenga Mulendema (Photo: TimesLive)

Speaking to Variety, Malenga says that she was inspired by the experience of watching cartoons as a child in Zambia, where none of the heroes looked like her or lived in a world that resembled her own:

“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.”

No release date has been set for the series, but we cannot wait!

(Photo: Mama K’s Team 4/Netflix)