Anime's Popularity in Nigeria Posted Feb 6, 2023
Traditionally, some of the most popular pastimes in Nigeria are playing video games, watching sports, African sports betting, and now anime. Anime has become an increasingly popular form of entertainment in Nigeria, with more and more fans embracing this Japanese art form. In recent years, movie theaters such as Ster-Kinekor have been showing more anime films, and the recent Èkó Anime Fest in Lagos, Nigeria's commercial capital, saw nearly 1,000 anime fans from across the continent come together to celebrate their love for anime.
Anime Festivals
The Ekó AnimeFest is one of Africa's few anime conventions, and it allows fans to dress up as their favorite characters from various TV episodes, films, and video games.
Recently, Nigeria's second-ever anime festival (kó Anime Fest) took place in the country's commercial hub, Lagos, bringing together almost 1,000 enthusiasts from around the continent to celebrate the Japanese art form.
Many of the attendees at the kó Anime Festival, one of Africa's rare anime gatherings, dressed up as their favorite characters from various television episodes, films, and video games. The event is a reflection of the growing popularity of anime in Nigeria, giving fans a place to celebrate and engage with others who share their interest.
Increase in Otaku Culture
There has been a noticeable increase in the number of people who identify as otakus and publicly express their love for anime and manga. Otaku culture refers to the norms and traditions that form the anime fandom and can also extend to an appreciation for Japanese culture.
Celebrity Fans
Nigerian celebrities, such as rapper YCee, have also shown their support for anime, referencing popular anime shows like Jujutsu Kaisen in their tweets. Artist Remy Baggins also incorporates nods to otaku culture in his work, naming his projects in Japanese.
Some Popular Anime in Nigeria
Jujutsu Kaisen
Gege Akutami wrote and illustrated the manga and anime series Jujutsu Kaisen. In March 2018, it was initially serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump. The story follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student who becomes entangled in a world of supernatural beings and must utilize his Jujutsu Sorcerer talents to preserve humanity from evil spirits known as "Curse." The series has been well appreciated and has a wide global fanbase, particularly in Nigeria.
Naruto
This long-running anime series chronicles the training of a teenage ninja named Naruto Uzumaki as he strives to become a Hokage, or village leader. The series is well-known for its well-developed characters and exciting action sequences.
Attack on Titan
This anime series takes place in a dystopian universe where humanity is terrified of Titans, huge humanoid beasts who consume people for no apparent reason. The story follows a group of soldiers as they strive to protect humanity from the Titans and discover the truth about their origins.
Death Note
This psychological thriller anime series follows Light Yagami, a high school boy who discovers a mysterious notebook that has the power to kill anyone whose name is written in it. A mysterious detective named L begins to investigate the bizarre deaths as Light begins to utilize the Death Note to rid the world of criminals.
Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball Z is a legendary anime series that has long been popular in Nigeria. Many Nigerian fans have been captivated by Goku and his comrades' epic adventures as they defend the Earth against powerful adversaries.
One Punch Man
One Punch Man is a one-of-a-kind anime that has proven popular in Nigeria. Saitama, a superhero who can defeat any opponent with a single punch, has a significant following in Japan thanks to his comedic and action-packed exploits.
Final Thoughts
Anime's popularity has been on the rise for years, with anime conferences and festivals drawing fans from around the world. Countries like the USA, UK, and Australia host anime conventions, and now Nigeria is joining the fray. Fans in Nigeria have embraced this trend, as demonstrated by the growing otaku culture and support from local celebrities. The Èkó AnimeFest is just one example of how anime fans in Nigeria are coming together to celebrate their love for this beloved art form, just like their counterparts in other countries have been doing for years. With its timeless storytelling and captivating characters, it is no wonder that anime continues to be a beloved form of entertainment for people around the world.
