A Ugandan-made animated series stole the show at one of New York’s most exclusive celebrity events when Grammy-winning stars Ashanti and Nelly celebrated their son KK’s first birthday. The highlight of the party was a specially crafted episode of Kunda & Friends, a 3D animated series rooted in African culture and music-led storytelling, produced by Ugandan talent.
The creators, Kunda Kids in partnership with Creatures Animation, prepared a bespoke episode titled Happy Birthday KK which premiered as part of the lavish celebration. The episode marked a symbolic moment — Uganda’s creative exports sharing center stage with global music icons.
Ashanti praised the series for its beauty, depth, and cultural value.
“As a mom, I’m really intentional about what KK is exposed to,” she said. “Kunda & Friends is not just beautiful and educational, it’s rooted in culture and storytelling that matters. Watching my son light up seeing himself in that world was magical. This is the kind of content I want him to grow up with, and I am so thankful that Louisa and her team at Kunda Kids could make it so special.”
The party was a magnet for stars from across the entertainment industry, with LL Cool J and singer Lloyd among those in attendance. Children enjoyed music, storytelling, and immersive Kunda & Friends-themed activities. Every guest left with a gift box filled with books, party treats, and Ugandan-made merchandise celebrating African heritage.
For Louisa Olafuyi, Co-founder of Kunda Kids and co-creator of Kunda & Friends, the celebration marked a major milestone.
“It’s incredible to see a show we built in Uganda being celebrated around the world,” she said. “To know that a child in New York, London or Lagos can sing along with characters born right here in Kampala is the dream. This is a call to all Ugandans to invest in and champion the incredible creative potential we have in this country.”
The Happy Birthday KK episode represents a historic moment for Uganda: the first time a homegrown children’s animated property has been featured so prominently at an international celebrity event. The animated short introduces KK as a character in the Kunda universe, with animated versions of Ashanti and Nelly making appearances. The clip is now available on the Kunda & Friends YouTube channel.
Founded by Ugandan entrepreneur Louisa Olafuyi, Kunda Kids has quickly become one of Africa’s most impactful creative exports. Produced in partnership with Kampala-based Creatures Animation, led by former Disney director Raymond Malinga, Kunda & Friends is proudly made in Uganda and powered by Ugandan talent.
With over 50 million YouTube views, a presence in more than 400 schools worldwide, and a growing global fan base, Kunda Kids is placing Uganda firmly on the global map as a leader in African storytelling — one animated character at a time.
