Jay-Jay Okocha toon set for Showmax

An animated series inspired by Nigerian football legend Jay-Jay Okocha is set to launch on streaming service Showmax.

Jay Jay: The Chosen One tells the story of Austin, an 11-year-old football-loving schoolboy who is blessed with the abilities of various animals. He becomes the superhero Jay Jay, tackling poachers and guiding his school football team to victory.

Born Augustine Azuka Okocha in Enugu in 1973, Okocha is regarded as one of the best African players of all time. He made 73 appearances for the Nigeria national team and played for clubs including Paris Saint-Germain and Bolton Wanderers.

The 13-part series will be voiced by a cast of Nigerian actors including Prince Unigwe (as Jay Jay) as well as Chinedu Ikedieze, Samuel Ajibola and Eric Obinna.

It is produced by Nihilent Limited in partnership with production studio 5th Dimension and animation studio I-Realities. The soundtrack features music from popular Nigerian singer and vocalist Waje.

Okocha said: “A passion for football, a love for animals and the ability to become a superhero. I’m honoured to have an animated series that reimagines my childhood. Jay Jay: The Chosen One is going to bring back good childhood memories as well as inspire young children who have dreams to be football players.”

Jay Jay: The Chosen One will debut on Showmax on April 6.

tagged in: Jay Jay: The Chosen One, Showmax