From Accounting to Animation: How a Nigerian Creator’s Digital Novels Became a Cartoon Network Hit
Sunkanmi Akinboye’s story is a testament to following your passions, a beacon for Nigerian creatives seeking to break free from the conventional 9-to-5. After four years as a corporate communications officer at an accounting firm, he made the leap, abandoning a stable career to pursue his true calling: bringing digital novels and comics to life. Today, his work, including the African-inspired cartoon series, Iyanu: Child of Wonder, graces global cable channels such as Cartoon Network and HBO, showcasing the power of perseverance and creative vision within Nigeria’s burgeoning animation industry.
# The Creative Spark: From Scribbles to Studios
Akinboye’s creative journey began in childhood. His inclination towards art emerged early, with his earliest memories involving drawing comics in his siblings’ textbooks and exercise books. This early enthusiasm shaped his future, leading him to study at Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) and later at the University of Benin (UNIBEN). This experience provided him with skills in graphics and design. He then pursued digital novels and comics, which eventually blossomed into full-time work. This highlights the importance of early exposure and nurturing of creative talents in Nigeria, paving the way for groundbreaking African storytelling and animation.
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