I worked on “1st Totem Problems”, part of Disney+’s Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, the first African animated anthology. The film follows Sheba, a girl caught in a clash between her ancestors over whose totem reigns supreme. Collaborating with director Tshepo Moche was an incredible experience, bringing Sheba’s emotions and journey to life. The anthology premiered globally on July 5, 2023.Intro text underneath the headline
I had the incredible opportunity to work as a storyboard artist on the episode “1st Totem Problem” from the acclaimed anthology series Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire, which premiered on Disney+ in July 2023. The episode was directed by Tshepo Moche and produced by Triggerfish in collaboration with Giraffics Studio, with Peter Ramsey serving as executive producer. My role was to develop the storyboards that shaped the visual narrative of this 11-minute short film, helping bring the director’s vision to life and ensuring every shot flowed seamlessly to enhance both the emotional beats and the pacing of the story.
The episode follows Sheba, a 15-year-old girl caught between two conflicting sides of her family, each determined to pass down their own ancestral totem to her. As Sheba struggles with the constant family tension and the weight of expectations, she is unexpectedly transported between two realms — the human world and the ancestors’ realm. This journey leads her into a series of action-packed, comedic, and emotional situations, where she encounters quirky, powerful characters and confronts the chaos caused by her family’s generational disputes.
What made this project so special was the balance between high-energy sequences and intimate, heartfelt moments. While the story is full of adventure, humor, and fast-paced action, it’s ultimately about Sheba’s personal journey — finding her identity, understanding her heritage, and discovering her own totem amidst all the noise around her. Being part of a project that blended African mythology, futuristic visuals, and universal themes was both challenging and rewarding, and contributing to a production of this scale for Disney+ was an incredible milestone in my career as a storyboard artist.