Meet me —
ROYE OKUPE
Roye Okupe is an award-winning Nigerian-American filmmaker, screenwriter, author, and entrepreneur whose passion for comics and animation led him to found YouNeek Studios in 2015—a creative platform dedicated to building a library of African-inspired fantasy stories.
Under YouNeek Studios, Roye has written, produced, and directed several animated projects, including the award-winning and critically acclaimed Malika – Warrior Queen animated short. His work has earned him numerous prestigious recognitions, such as being ranked #5 on Ventures Africa’s list of 40 African Innovators to Watch (2016) and being named one of NewAfrican Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Africans for two consecutive years (2016 & 2017).
In 2021, Roye was nominated for the Dwayne McDuffie Award for Diversity in Comics, an honor recognizing excellence and inclusion in storytelling. That same year, YouNeek Studios secured a landmark 10-book publishing deal with Dark Horse Comics, expanding its universe of original superhero and fantasy stories.
Most significantly, Roye’s graphic novel series, IYANU: CHILD OF WONDER, was greenlit as an animated series at MAX and Cartoon Network, produced by Lion Forge Animation, with Roye serving as Creator, Executive Producer, and Showrunner. Since its US launch in April 2025, Iyanu ranked as the #1 series on Cartoon Network and in the top 10 kids and family series on Max. It also debuted as the number one kids’ series on Showmax across Africa, following its premiere on June 13, 2025. In addition to the series, two Iyanu animated features were also greenlit, both written and directed by Roye.
My work
IYANU: CHILD OF WONDER
Inspired by Yoruba mythology, Iyanu tells the story of a teenage orphan who discovers she has divine powers and must rise to defend her homeland from an ancient curse. I created and wrote the original graphic novel series and served as showrunner, director, and executive producer on the animated series, which premiered in 2025 as the #1 kids show on Cartoon Network Africa and debuted globally on Max and Showmax. Iyanu marks the first time an African superhero series of this scale has been adapted into a premium animated television series.
MALIKA: WARRIOR QUEEN
Set in 15th-century West Africa, Malika: Warrior Queen follows the rise of a legendary military commander as she battles to unify her kingdom in the face of betrayal, war, and the return of a long-buried secret. I created, wrote, and directed the animated feature adaptation, which is currently in development with top industry producers. The original graphic novel has sold over 100,000 copies worldwide and was named A Powerful Graphic Novel That Shows Why Representation Matters by NPR.
E.X.O.: THE LEGEND OF WALE WILLIAMS
In a futuristic Nigeria, a young man returns home to investigate his father’s disappearance—only to discover a powerful exosuit and a conspiracy that could destroy his city. E.X.O. was my first-ever graphic novel and the launchpad for the YouNeek YouNiverse. I created, wrote, and am now directing the upcoming YouTube animated series adaptation. The book was featured on CNN, Forbes, and The Washington Post, and has been taught in classrooms across the U.S. for its Afro-futuristic innovation.
My services
Whether it’s a global conference, university lecture, or creative industry panel, Roye brings the energy, insight, and authenticity that leave audiences inspired and empowered.
Drawing from his journey as a first-time showrunner who created Iyanu—the #1 kids’ show on Cartoon Network and Max—and as the visionary behind YouNeek Studios’ award-winning graphic novels and films, Roye speaks on creativity, entrepreneurship, African storytelling, and the business of building global IP.
His talks are equal parts entertaining and practical, offering audiences a behind-the-scenes look at breaking barriers while delivering actionable lessons on resilience, innovation, and turning bold ideas into worldwide movements.