Former Prime Video Exec Ukonwa Ojo Takes Stake in Nigeria’s Taeps Animation Studios (EXCLUSIVE)
Zaia Ventures, the venture studio led by former Prime Video chief marketing officer Ukonwa Ojo, has taken a stake in Taeps Animation Studios, a growing Nigerian outfit dedicated to bringing powerful African stories to life.
Co-founded in 2017 by long-time friends and animation enthusiasts Adeoyin Okuboyejo and Ayobami Bello, Taeps Animation Studios aims to usher in a new era of animation that celebrates African culture and heritage. The company is best known for the short film “Ewa,” which was nominated for Best Animation Short Film at the African Film Festival (AFRIFF) in 2023.
More from Variety
The studio is developing its first feature film, “Adétóún and the Heart of Time,” which tells the story of Adétóún, the young descendant of an ancient warrior. The CG animation explores themes of ancestry, heritage and bravery while following her journey against the backdrop of an ancient relic and a battle for supremacy that could alter the course of time itself.
As a member of the studio’s advisory board, Ojo will lend her expertise and strategic guidance to support the company’s growth and development. She will bring her extensive experience in marketing and brand strategy to help the company develop its vision to inspire audiences around the globe with the beauty and richness of African culture.
Ojo stepped down as chief marketing officer of Amazon’s Prime Video and Amazon Studios in 2022 after a nearly two-year stint with the streamer. During her time at the company, she launched 8 of the top 10 shows in Prime Video history, leading the marketing campaigns for movies like “Coming 2 America” and “Being the Ricardos,” as well as the series “The Boys,” “Wheel of Time” and “The Underground Railroad.”
In 2022, she launched Zaia Ventures, a venture studio committed to building and scaling businesses that serve underrepresented and marginalized communities.
“I am thrilled to join forces with Taeps Animation Studios to amplify African voices and narratives in the world of animation,” said Ojo, founder and CEO of Zaia Ventures. “Their commitment to authenticity and excellence in storytelling aligns perfectly with our vision at Zaia Ventures. Together, we will showcase the beauty, complexity and diversity of African culture to a global audience.”
Adeoyin Okuboyejo, CEO of Taeps Animation Studios, added: “This collaboration with Zaia Ventures is evidence of our shared vision of celebrating African heritage through animation. With Ukonwa Ojo’s expertise and support, we are embarking on our most ambitious project yet: ‘Adétóún and the Heart of Time.’ Together, we will not only entertain but also inspire and educate audiences on the uniqueness of African storytelling.”
Best of Variety
Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
