Today, Disney Junior and Hasbro’s entertainment studio, eOne, released the first-look trailer for the new kids’ animated series Kiya & the Kimoja Heroes, premiering this month. An original concept by Robert Vargas, adapted from characters created by South African talents Marc Dey and Kelly Dillon, the original action-adventure follows Kiya, a seven-year-old African girl whose passions in life are dancing and martial arts, which also become her superpowers.
Kiya & the Kimoja Heroes will premiere in the U.S. on Disney Junior on Wednesday, March 22 at 4 p.m. EST/PST, and the first four episodes will premiere the same day on Disney+. The series provides big life lessons packaged into 11-minute episodes, easily understood by young audiences.
Synopsis: When Kiya, also known by her superhero name “Dance Ninja” and her two best friends Jay, a.k.a. “Flying Rockstar,” and Motsie, “Tech Racer,” put on their headbands adorned with mystical Kimoja crystals, they transform into superheroes and can perform special moves inspired by their passions, like Kiya’s “pirouette POW.” Together they are the team of superheroes known as the Kimoja Heroes, ready to unite their community!
“In partnership with Disney Junior, Frog Box, Triggerfish and France Télévisions, we are so very delighted to bring Kiya & The Kimoja Heroes to audiences everywhere,” says Esra Cafer, SVP of Global Brand Management at eOne. “We have given a lot of thought and intention to developing fundamentally relatable characters that serve as great role models for young children. Kiya shows that you don’t have to choose between learning to dance or being a kick-butt hero — you can be both! She’s encouraging preschoolers to be whoever they want to be and shine.”
Kiya’s world features a diverse cast of characters inspired by the landscape, natural beauty and culture of Southern Africa, and focuses on themes of community, empathy and unity. This mashup of action, dance and music features African and Asian lead characters, beautiful Southern African locations and a diverse creative team, including writers, designers and composers from across the globe.
In the show, three Kimojans, known as “Flawed Friends,” cause mischief and chaos, motivated by classic preschooler foibles like jealousy, competitiveness and envy. When these kids make a mess, only the Kimoja Heroes can ‘shine bright and make things right’ to restore harmony to the city.
“Our belief is that Kiya will represent and empower young girls to be leaders who can use their smarts and skills to solve big problems,” says Tshepo Moche, writer and creative consultant at Triggerfish. “There is still a tremendous opportunity for representation and there has never been a better moment for the landscape of children’s programming to reflect the diversity and size of the audience they serve.”
Kiya & the Kimoja Heroes is the latest example of Hasbro and eOne’s commitments to illustrate that varied perspectives generate the best ideas and to reflect diversity, equity and inclusion across their brands and play experiences.
Fans can follow Kiya on Facebook and Instagram @kiyakimojaheroes.
