Iyke Bede
Nigeria’s first full-length 3D animated musical, ‘Gammy and The Living Things,’ has premiered in cinemas nationwide, distributed exclusively by FilmHouse Cinemas. Produced by Utricle Studios, the project marks a new milestone in African storytelling, one where film, music, and technology meet.
At the centre of the adventure is Gammy, a spirited Agama lizard who trades the quiet Hinterland for Lagos’s bustling, music-fueled streets. His journey of rhythm, struggle, and redemption is voiced by Jude ‘M.I.’ Abaga, one of Africa’s most celebrated rappers.
“I fell in love with the project,” said M.I. “I would say I’ve been where Gammy has been. When I was in Jos, before moving to Lagos to start my career, I had those dreams of making it big. Often, when you want more, you feel like your environment is too small or the people around you don’t share the same vision. That’s where Gammy is. Gammy represents any young Nigerian who isn’t from a wealthy family or a big city but carries big dreams of changing the world while wondering if it’s worth the risk.”
Alongside him, an ensemble of screen veterans and household names bring Gammy’s world to life: Joke Silva as NG, Bimbo Akintola as Endy, Segun Arinze as Dr. Koko, Pete Edochie as Wu, and John Dumelo as Fante.
Utricle Studios describes the film as more than just an animation, but a landmark that proves African stories can stand on the global stage. The studio, recognised for its pioneering role in creative-tech and animation in Nigeria, has built ‘Gammy and the Living Things’ as both entertainment and a cultural statement.
“It’s a Nigerian story. Most of the animations people are exposed to, like Disney and the rest, don’t tell our stories. This one does. It helps them connect with our history,” said Nduka Enwelike, CEO of Utricle Studios.
Music sits at the heart of the film, anchored by the soundtrack album ‘Rites of Passage’. Produced by Uphorik Sounds, the 13-track collection is designed as a sonic journey that mirrors Gammy’s adventure. It features an impressive lineup including TuFace, M.I Abaga, Made Kuti, Timi Dakolo, Waje, Ric Hassani, Praiz, Johnny Drille, and Goya Menor.
The album also revisits timeless works from Nigerian music legends such as Blakky, Ras Kimono, Majek Fashek, The Mandators, and William Onyeabor, weaving together a soundscape that connects past and present.
The film also introduces ‘Creaturepedia,’ a character universe inspired by African wildlife and folklore, designed to captivate young audiences while engaging the whole family.
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