Where To Watch Igbo Cartoons
A while ago, I posted an article called Best Igbo YouTube Channels & Playlists For Learning Igbo. The article basically catalogued over a dozen available YouTube channels where you can go to begin your journey to learn the Igbo language (if that is something you are interested in). It is a very comprehensive list with explanations about what makes each channel unique, so I recommend you check it out if that is something you are curious about.
In this article, my goal is to share with you a number of resources for inviting Igbo into your home. You may be already fluent in Igbo language, or just a learner of the language. Either way, this list will have something for everyone. I will endeavour to make it clear which channels have English subtitles or closed captions of any kind to help with those who might need a little extra assistance. Let's begin!
1. Mmuta Di Uto - The first channel, I would like to recommend is my own channel which is Mmuta Di Uto. This can be found at https://youtube.com/@maaziagu. This channel is a children's focused channel that has puppet shows, sing-along songs and animated Igbo folk tales. Check out our viral Igbo Alphabet song which is a great learning tool for learning the Igbo alphabet below. Many of our videos come with English and/or Igbo subtitles.
2. OCE Audiobook - This is not an exclusively family or children's channel, nor is it an exclusively Igbo channel. It is more of an audiobook channel. However, I put it on the list, because it has a great selection of Igbo language folktales (or "Akuko Ifo" as they are called) with English subtitles and excellent images that I believe teenagers, Igbo learners and adults alike will certainly enjoy.
3. Kpakpando - Rhymes in Igbo - Another great children's channel where you can find Igbo songs and animation is Kpakpando. It is almost like an Igbo Cocomelon. All of their songs are animated with Igbo and English subtitles. They have a large variety of songs and the channel has been around for a while.
4. Learn Igbo - Aha m efula - Similarly, there is Aha m efula for animated Igbo songs for children. Many of these also have English subtitles. There are song very educational animated videos in Igbo on this channel and I highly recommend it. They have also been around for a while.
5. SutaIgbo - This is a new channel that sprung up recently. However, they have many Igbo animated music videos already on their channel. The songs range from traditional Igbo folk songs to modern songs sung in Igbo. It is a colorful journey that I would gladly recommend.
6. Ije the World Traveler - Teaches You Igbo! - This is a great channel for an Igbo learner. It's cartoons are more of full length stories which are tailored to teach you targeted Igbo words of the day. The stories are around a young girl named Ije and her family and friends who go on adventures and learn about Igbo culture and the world around her. They release episodes slowly, but when the episode drops, it's always a worthwhile watch! It has Igbo and English subtitles too.
7. Giggle Mimi - This is not an exclusively Igbo children's youtube channel. However, they have a playlist of Igbo cartoons that they have uploaded that seem to have been created by Jehovah's Witness organization, and excellently translated to Igbo language. Even if you are not a Jehovah's Witness, it is captivating to watch something done so well. Check out one of the videos below. There are no subtitles in this one.
8. The Superkids. - The Superkids are OGs in the Igbo children's content game. They have been making content since the young singer (Adaeze) was a very small child, and now I believe she has gone to the university. Their YouTube channel has a massive following. While most of their songs are NOT IN IGBO. They have a few good Igbo songs in there if you look well like "Akwa Nwa" and "Oge eru ola".
9. SoKidzTV - Another channel with some good Igbo children's content is SoKidzTV. Similar to The Superkids, it is not exclusively Igbo. SoKidzTV has Hausa and Yoruba songs on it as well, and some songs that are even just in English but with Afrobeats. However, their tunes are very nice so it is good for learning. Some good memorable songs for me are the Igbo Baby Shark song, the Igbo Counting song and the Igbo Names of Animals song.
10. Learn Igbo - Last, but certainly not least is Learn Igbo. This channel is focused on teaching the Igbo language, but I included it here, because of it's unique method of doing so. It uses story-telling and makes ways for both adult learners and children to learn from their channel. Some of their videos are for children and some of their videos are for adult learners. They use vivid imagery with English and Igbo subtitles to guide the learner as they tell stories and teach the Igbo language.
Now, I am sure that there may be some more Igbo family-friendly channels out there. One honorable mention that I woud like to include is called Igbotoons. They are another newer channel, but again they are doing great. If you can think of any other Igbo channel I may be forgetting to mention, please leave them in the comment section and let us continue the discussion there.
Also, what other type of Igbo content might you be interested in learning about or finding on the internet? Leave a comment letting me know, and I will do the research and you just might see an article about it in the near future. Until next time...ya gazie!
