The vibrant and groundbreaking 3D animated children’s series, Kunda & Friends, is officially a global sensation — and it all started right here in Uganda.
Created by Ugandan-led media company Kunda Kids, Kunda & Friends was the shining star of Grammy-winning superstars Ashanti and Nelly’s son KK’s first birthday party in New York City. This event marked an unprecedented moment — the first time a Ugandan children’s brand headlined a major international celebrity celebration.
The Ugandan Creative Powerhouse Behind Kunda & Friends
Founded by visionary Ugandan entrepreneur Louisa Olafuyi, who serves as Co-founder and COO, Kunda Kids is rapidly becoming one of Africa’s most influential creative exports.
Produced in partnership with Creatures Animation, a Kampala-based studio led by former Disney director Raymond Malinga, Kunda & Friends is proudly Ugandan through and through — showcasing homegrown talent and celebrating African culture and storytelling in vibrant, kid-friendly animation.
Louisa Olafuyi expressed her excitement:
“It’s incredible to see a show we built in Uganda being celebrated around the world. To know that a child 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.”
A Special Birthday Surprise: Happy Birthday KK
To honor KK’s big day, Kunda Kids and Creatures Animation produced a custom episode titled Happy Birthday KK. This special installment premiered at the party and is now available on the Kunda & Friends YouTube channel.
The episode features KK as an animated character within the Kunda universe, alongside animated versions of Ashanti and Nelly joining in the celebration.
Ashanti shared her heartfelt thoughts on the project:
“As a mom, I’m really intentional about what KK is exposed to. 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. This is the kind of content I want him to grow up with, and I am so thankful that Louisa and her team at Kunda Kids could make it so special.”
A Star-Studded, Culture-Rich Celebration
The party was a cultural feast, bringing together entertainment heavyweights like LL Cool J and singer Lloyd, with a host of immersive Kunda & Friends-themed activities for the kids.
Guests left with exclusive gift boxes packed with African-themed books, party goodies, and Ugandan-made merchandise — all celebrating African heritage through the joyous lens of Kunda & Friends.
A Historic Milestone for Ugandan Media
Happy Birthday KK signals a huge milestone for Uganda’s media industry. It’s the first time a homegrown children’s animated series has achieved such a culturally significant spotlight on the world stage.
With a booming global fan base, over 50 million YouTube views, and educational content in more than 400 schools worldwide, Kunda Kids is positioning Uganda as a global leader in African storytelling and children’s media.
Raymond Malinga is optimistic about the future:
“This is just the beginning. Uganda is full of brilliant creatives, animators, and visionaries. We’re showing the world what’s possible when we invest in our own stories. Now is the time to believe in our talent and take it global.”
Where to Watch and Learn More
You can watch the Happy Birthday KK episode now on the official Kunda & Friends YouTube channel. For more info and to explore their range of books and merchandise, visit kundakids.com.
What Do You Think?
Could Kunda & Friends be the next big thing in global children’s entertainment? What other African stories do you want to see on the world stage? Drop your thoughts below and stay tuned for more exclusive updates on this trailblazing Ugandan series!
