CARTOON Network Africa is set to premiere Garbage Boy and Trash Can, the first-ever Cartoon Network superhero animated comedy series to be produced in Africa. The series, commissioned by Cartoon Network Africa, is the result of Nigerian animator Ridwan Moshood winning the CN Creative Lab initiative. It will make its debut on July 17 at 16:45 CAT.
Garbage Boy and Trash Can was produced in collaboration with Pure Garbage, a newly-formed animation production company based in South Africa. The partnership includes series creator Ridwan Moshood, Mike de Seve from the US multi-Emmy Award-winning studio Baboon Animation, and Nick Wilson, founder of the African Animation Network (AAN).
The show features a global collaboration, with Magic Carpet, a leading Nigerian animation studio, serving as a co-producer, and actors from Uganda, Malawi, Nigeria, and the USA lending their voices to the characters. This innovative model brings together talents from Africa, Europe, and the US, marking a significant step in Cartoon Network’s creative production process. The process aims to train and mentor African talent while producing content of international broadcast quality.
Ridwan Moshood, the creator, director, and art director of the series, drew inspiration from the adversity he faced during his childhood. ‘The inspiration for creating the lead characters came from the derogatory name some bullies used to call me back in junior secondary school. However, I soon realized that this name did not define my identity or limit my potential,’ Moshood explained. ‘It is this powerful message that I aim to convey to children currently experiencing name-calling and bullying.’
Garbage Boy and Trash Can embraces a style that pays homage to the cartoons Moshood enjoyed during his childhood, particularly Saturday morning shows like Dexter’s Laboratory, The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy, and The Powerpuff Girls. ‘It is Dexter’s Laboratory that greatly influences the artistic style of the show, as it remains my favourite Cartoon Network series,’ Moshood shared.
Cartoon Network Africa’s Creative Lab initiative was launched in June 2018 to bring innovative, local short-form content to the channel and its digital platforms while emphasizing the brand’s local relevance. Ana González, Editorial Lead for Southern Europe and Africa at Kids Brands, Warner Bros. Discovery, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, ‘The Cartoon Network team was amased by Ridwan’s talent and his vision for the show. We’re delighted to see the final product adding to Cartoon Network’s diverse and original content.’
Garbage Boy and Trash Can proudly presents an authentic African story featuring a Nigerian comedy hero. With fresh local animation talent and an exceptional African voice cast, the series exemplifies Cartoon Network Africa’s commitment to producing inclusive local content.
