Africa’s Nollywood production firm, Anthill Studios, has officially unveiled its family sitcom, Temi & The Labalaba Band (TATLB), which is rapidly gaining popularity on YouTube and receiving acclaim across media platforms.

The new series has garnered endorsements from numerous Nigerian celebrities and stakeholders drawn from Nigeria’s creative industry, including notable Nollywood stars, media personalities, and industry regulators.

However, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, has recognised the show as an important advancement in Nigerian arts and culture, supporting the country’s vision of becoming Africa’s creative, cultural, and entertainment capital.

TATLB narrates the musical story of Temi, Barry, Rasak, Mina and Boniface. Their band, set up by 12-year-old Temi with her friends, aims to boost patronage of her grandmother’s restaurant as a significant drop in sales and the imminent threat of eviction by the landlord hung over the business.

Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr Shaibu Hussein, described the comedy sitcom as a deep-sighted creation to bolster interest in Africa-focused children’s videos while nurturing future leaders of the Nigerian film industry.

Hussein said that TATLB was designed as a wholesome substitute to non-African shows being aired on the continent, a sort of future Disney for Africa, powered and promoted by Africans. It is the first of sitcoms from the Anthill Family’s stable, a platform dedicated to children’s programming.

He further stated that TATLB is part of a mission by Anthill Studios, through its arm, Anthill Family, to reshape the landscape of children’s and family cinema, by reminding parents of the transformative power of experiences that awaken their children’s curiosity and ignite their sense of adventure and leadership.

In her comments, Temi Ajamolaya, who plays the bandleader, said she was motivated by a desire to become a child actor and singer in the future. The mission to rescue her character’s grandma’s restaurant, she added, was particularly touching as it symbolised what is attainable with family affection and hope.

Meanwhile, the show’s website, temiandlabalaba.com, is now open for public access and for kids to join the fans’ club and to enjoy fun gifts and discounts on merchandise.