Kampala / New York – Uganda’s creative industry made history in New York when Kunda & Friends, a groundbreaking 3D animated children’s series rooted in African music and storytelling, headlined the first birthday celebration of KK, son of Grammy-winning artists Ashanti and Nelly.
The milestone marked the first time a Ugandan children’s brand has been featured at an international celebrity event, cementing Kunda & Friends as one of Africa’s fastest-rising cultural exports.
Created by Kunda Kids, a Ugandan-led media company founded by entrepreneur Louisa Olafuyi, the series was brought to life in collaboration with Kampala-based Creatures Animation, under the direction of former Disney filmmaker Raymond Malinga. The show has already captured audiences worldwide with its vibrant storytelling, catchy music, and positive representation of African heritage.
“It’s incredible to see a show we built in Uganda being celebrated around the world,” Olafuyi said. “Knowing that children in New York, London, or Lagos can sing along with characters born right here in Kampala is the dream. This is a call to all Ugandans to invest in and champion the incredible creative potential we have in this country.”
As part of KK’s birthday celebration, Kunda Kids produced a custom episode, Happy Birthday KK, which introduced KK as a new character in the Kunda & Friends universe. The episode, which also features animated cameos of Ashanti and Nelly, premiered exclusively at the party before being released on the show’s YouTube channel.
For Ashanti, the moment was deeply personal. “As a mom, I’m really intentional about what KK is exposed to,” she said. “Kunda & Friends is not just beautiful and educational, it’s rooted in culture and storytelling that matters. Watching my son light up seeing himself in that world was magical.”
The star-studded event drew global icons including LL Cool J and singer Lloyd, with children enjoying storytelling, music, themed activities, and gift boxes packed with Ugandan-made merchandise celebrating African heritage.
Since its launch, Kunda & Friends has grown into a global phenomenon, with over 50 million YouTube views and classroom presence in more than 400 schools worldwide. Through fun, music-led stories, the series promotes values of friendship, diversity, and cultural pride setting a new standard for children’s entertainment from Africa.
For Malinga, the celebration in New York is proof of Uganda’s creative potential. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “Uganda is full of brilliant creatives, animators, and visionaries. We’re showing the world what’s possible when we invest in our own stories.”
With its growing international acclaim, Kunda & Friends is not only redefining African children’s entertainment but also putting Uganda firmly on the global animation map.