Nissi Ogulu Brings African Stories To Life Through Animation

While many creatives dedicate themselves to a single craft, Nissi Ogulu has built a career at the intersection of engineering, music and animation, driven by a passion for telling authentic African stories.

The younger sister of Grammy-winning singer Burna Boy and granddaughter of Benson Idonije, the first manager and close friend of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, Nissi grew up immersed in music, creativity and African culture.

Yet, despite that rich heritage, she noticed something missing.

She rarely saw animated characters that reflected African children, their cultures, languages and lived experiences. Determined to change that narrative, she founded Creele Animation Studios in Lagos in 2025 with a mission to create world-class African animation for global audiences.

The studio’s debut project, SOPO, the Yoruba word for “connect,” is a 3D animated short inspired by Benson Idonije’s recollections of Fela Kuti’s early years. The story follows Oyejo, a young aspiring musician navigating his dreams while seeking his father’s approval.

The production became a true family collaboration. Burna Boy’s mother, Bose Ogulu, popularly known as Mama Burna, served as executive producer, while the soundtrack was composed by Made Kuti, Fela Kuti’s grandson.

Produced in Lagos with support from animators worldwide, SOPO had its private premiere, attended by Burna Boy, media entrepreneur Mo Abudu, and other leading figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

Beyond its artistic achievement, SOPO represents a broader cultural mission: preserving African stories through animation and ensuring that future generations grow up seeing themselves, their histories and their identities reflected on screen.