We have our very own animated Super Hero here at ICE Artistes in the form of Nancy Sekhokoane and we sat down with her to chat about the "pinch me" moment of being part of the first Netflix Animation from Africa (and more).

Q: Unfortunately, Africa is often referred to as a third-world continent. How does it feel to be pioneering the first Netflix Animation from Africa?

A: "It is unfortunately still referred to as such, among other outdated things. Africa has for so long been told how or what part it’s going to play for the world’s benefit first, over and above our own. As opposed to having the freedom for our people to tell our authentic stories and willingly express and share our God-given gifts and resources.  So it’s an indescribable feeling to be pioneering the first Netflix animation from Africa, because although for a number of reasons we still have a long way to go in terms of development, there are a number of ways and areas that we actually have been pioneering from the beginning, with or without credit. It’s encouraging to have a number of cast members have an authentic, lived-out experience & reference of being African and getting to share who we are with the world. These are of course not blanket or general depictions of all African, Zambian or even black people for the world to study or dissect. But rather a lot of what you will see on-screen is true in many ways to who we individually are, what we have seen, known, and felt. I’m so excited for people to see people (these characters) laugh, wrestle (not only physically with villains but also, internally), learn, hope and just be. And as a result, do the same."

Q: The importance of diverse representation in animation aimed at kids, is imperative for so many reasons. How would young Nancy feel seeing superheroes that look like her on a streaming platform, such as Netflix Africa?

A: "What I love about children is that they are so innocent and have the purest of hearts. I can’t say that I understood what it meant for me to see little to no animations with characters that looked like me. Let alone leading characters. Either way, the things we see communicate something to us, which is why it’s so important for parents to be intentional and mindful of what they allow their children to consume (in their mouths haha but also the content they watch). I remember doing a major ad campaign in South Africa a few years back and seeing a video of a little black girl copying the moves and singing along to all the words I was saying so confidently. As if she was simply doing what she saw another version of herself do. Now, for that character to be a superhero subconsciously and consciously (especially for older children) communicates that they can contribute to the greater good. They don’t have to follow old depictions or negative stereotypes of them only being villains, side characters, or perpetually suffering etc. They can be anything! It reminds me of a verse that says, 'For with God nothing [is or ever] shall be impossible ~ Luke 1:37."

Q: What is the message you hope this series brings to the young viewers watching in Africa?

A: "I hope that it inspires people of all ages and especially the youth to dream BIG or should I say, dream SUPA! That no matter their circumstances they can have a bright future. That even if they have never encountered friendly or kind kids, teens or people their age, there is a community just for them in each needed season. I hope it inspires them to have their own joyful, fun and exciting lives. That they know they are loved and seen just like the girls in Supa Team 4. That 'as iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.' ~ Proverbs 27:17. That their choices matter. That they are so valuable and no matter how small it might seem now, they have a purpose and a unique part to play, that no one else can play like them. And that they can be a hero every day by doing what is right even when it’s hard and unpopular, by doing their best, being compassionate, considering others, and doing their best to love no matter what! And again that, ‘Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.’ ~ Matthew 19:26"

Q: Use 5 words to sum up your character – Zee?

A: "Team-Player,

#KeepsIt100,

Your Big Sis,

⚽️AthleticGeek🤓

#DramaFreeZoneThankYou"

Keep breaking barriers and changing narratives!