Episode 25: Dreams Come True: Level Up with Award Winning Creator and CEO Roye Okupe of You Neek Studios

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Roye Okupe is an award-winning filmmaker, author, speaker, and entrepreneur whose passion for comics and animation led him to found YouNeek Studios in 2012, an avenue that would allow him to pursue his dream of creating a diverse library of superheroes. Under that umbrella, Roye wrote, produced, and directed several animated productions including, but not limited to, the award-winning and critically acclaimed Malika - Warrior Queen Animated Short. These productions have allowed Roye to attain many prestigious recognitions, such as being #5 on Ventures Africa's list of 40 African innovators to watch (2016) as well as being part of NewAfrican Magazines' 100 most influential Africans two years in a row (2016 & 2017).

With the superhero genre at the height of its popularity, Roye has made it a goal to create a connected universe of superhero and fantasy stories inspired by African history, culture and mythology. In August 2015, Roye released his debut graphic novel titled: E.X.O. The Legend of Wale Williams Part One, a superhero story set in a futuristic Nigeria. E.X.O. was received with critical acclaim and has since been featured on CNN, Forbes, The New York Times, N.B.C., The Guardian, ABC7, B.B.C., The Huffington Post, Mashable and more! Roye's sophomore graphic novel: Malika - Warrior Queen was also received with critical acclaim, selling more than 40,000 copies of its chapter one special during Diamond Comic's Free Comic Book Day (2017). Both books have gone on to win several awards, including multiple Glyph Comic Awards and Comic Fist Awards.

Connect with Roye:

https://youneekstudios.com/

https://www.youtube.com/c/Youneekstudiosonline

http://instagram.com/youneekstudios

http://facebook.com/youneekstudios

 

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Booking Information

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About Moana Nui Podcast:

Moana Nui Podcast is a storytelling podcast to celebrate and honor the history, culture, & perspectives of POC, indigenous, and African Diasporan peoples. 

 

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