The Impact of Storytelling on African Children and Global Audiences | LIMBsimple Podcast | Ep 21 | Damilola Solesi | Keko Africa | Smids Animation Studios

Africa’s future will be shaped by the stories its children grow up watching.In this powerful episode of the LIMBsimple Podcast, we had an interesting time with Damilola Solesi, the founder of Smids Animation Studio and creator of Keko Africa. She discussed the future of African storytelling, animation, creativity, and identity.From building one of Africa’s leading animation studios over 15 years, to creating African cartoons that help children see themselves represented on screen.This conversation explores:👉 The business of African animation👉 Why representation matters for African children👉 How storytelling shapes culture and identity👉 The future of Africa’s creative industry👉 Building global creative businesses from Nigeria👉 The challenges of building an industry from scratch👉 Why Africa needs its own DisneyIf you're an entrepreneur, creative, parent, investor, or visionary interested in Africa’s future, this episode is for you.Make sure you watch till the end.CHAPTERS00:00 - Introduction02:08 - 15 Years Building Africa’s Animation Industry05:11 - Why African Children Need Representation06:16 - Following Her Passion Despite Studying Computer Science08:55 - Building Talent in Africa’s Creative Industry10:55 - Challenges of Starting an Animation Studio in Nigeria14:31 - Women in Animation & The She Animate Initiative19:37 - Building Teams, Culture & Retaining Talent23:06 - Winning International Awards for African Stories24:17 - The Story Behind “Hadoo”27:09 - Keiko Africa & Teaching African History Through Cartoons31:01 - Why African Stories Matter36:15 - The Process of Creating African Animated Stories38:39 - What Parents Should Expect From African Content41:46 - The Power of Storytelling to Shape Generations45:47 - Investment Opportunities in African Animation46:50 - Advice for Parents Raising Creative Children48:54 - Advice for Young Creatives & Entrepreneurs50:33 - Final Thoughts & Closing MessageHosted: Melvis IhezuonuPowered by LIMBsimpleSubscribe for more conversations on business, strategy, entrepreneurship, money, and growth in Africa.Follow LIMBsimple on social media for daily insights and updates:▶️ WEBSITE▶️ INSTAGRAM▶️ FACEBOOK▶️ THREADS▶️ TWITTER▶️ TIKTOK▶️ LINKEDIN▶️ WHATSAPP▶️ LEARN MOREContact Damilola Solesi 👇TOONTOPIA INSTAGRAMSMIDS ANIMATION INSTAGRAMKEKO YOUTUBE CHANNELHADU TRAILERSMIDS WEBSITE