History is set to be made in Nigeria’s entertainment and creative industry this weekend as Gammy and the Living Things, the nation’s first-ever full-length 3D animated musical, debuts in cinemas across the country on Friday, September 5, 2025.
Produced by Utricle Studios, the 115-minute feature film marks a milestone for Nollywood and Africa’s rapidly growing animation industry.
In a statement shared on Instagram, the studio described the project as a “groundbreaking animation adapted into a cinematic masterpiece and a five-episode special series,” giving audiences more than one way to engage with its magic.
The production uniquely blends Nigerian storytelling, music, and artistry with a pan-African cast and a global perspective.
The film tells the story of Gammy, an ambitious Agama lizard with music in his heart, who leaves his small town with big dreams of becoming a superstar in Lagos — a storyline that mirrors the journey of many Nigerian music stars.
According to the creators, Gammy and the Living Things is a contemporary adaptation infused with iconic African music and a carefully produced soundtrack expected to make waves on streaming platforms.
The project has been hailed as a potential game-changer for African animation, spotlighting the continent’s creative capacity to produce content that competes internationally while retaining cultural authenticity.
One of the highlights of the project is its original soundtrack album, titled Rites of Passage, which will be released alongside the movie’s premiere.
The album features collaborations with top Nigerian music stars, including MI Abaga, TuFace Idibia, Waje, Timi Dakolo, Praiz, Johnny Drille, Made Kuti, Ric Hassani, Goya Menor, and the Loud Choir.
In addition, the soundtrack reinvents classics from legendary African musicians such as Blakky, Ras Kimono, and Majek Fashek.
This fusion of contemporary and vintage African sounds positions the soundtrack as a potential global streaming hit, further amplifying the film’s cultural reach.
For decades, African animation has struggled to compete globally due to funding gaps, lack of exposure, and limited infrastructure.
However, Gammy and the Living Things signals a shift.
By bringing together a high-quality animation style, family-friendly storytelling, and a soundtrack packed with African stars, the film has been described by industry insiders as “a bold step into a new era for African animation.”
Utricle Studios believes the project has the potential to change the narrative of African animation by proving that animated films from the continent can be commercially viable both at home and abroad.
The studio emphasized that this release “showcases unique African talent, innovation, and creativity” and may well be a reference point for future African animated productions.
The timing of the film’s release also underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in global cinema.
Nollywood remains one of the world’s most prolific film industries, and with the introduction of big-budget animations, it is now venturing into new creative territories.
Industry experts predict that if Gammy and the Living Things performs well at the box office, it could open doors for more investment in African animation.
This would create jobs for local animators, musicians, and storytellers while also offering African audiences more diverse entertainment choices.
Beyond entertainment, the film carries cultural weight.
By featuring an Agama lizard as its main character, the story taps into African folklore and wildlife, elements often overlooked in mainstream global animation.
Combined with a Lagos setting and a music-driven plot, the production resonates with Nigerian and African realities while appealing to a worldwide audience.
The film’s release under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda also aligns with Nigeria’s creative economy drive, which emphasizes digital innovation and the export of African cultural products.
Excitement has been building across social media platforms, with Nigerian families, music lovers, and animation fans eager to experience what many are calling “a first of its kind.”
Utricle Studios has assured audiences that the film offers a perfect blend of quality animation, family-friendly storytelling, and iconic Nigerian music, making it suitable for both children and adults.
As cinemas nationwide prepare for Friday’s grand premiere, Gammy and the Living Things is set not only to entertain but also to make history as Nigeria’s first full-length 3D animated musical.
Its success could pave the way for an entire generation of African animation projects, positioning the continent as a global creative powerhouse.