Serah Johnson, a multi-award-winning voice actor and sound engineer, brings to life the character of “Iyanu” in the animated series airing on Cartoon Network and Max. Rooted in the graphic novel by YouNeek Studios and published by Dark Horse Comics, ‘Iyanu’ presents a vibrant Afro-futuristic narrative set in the heart of Yorubaland.
In this captivating tale, Iyanu, a teenage orphan, uncovers divine powers that she must wield to combat an age-old evil threatening her world. The series is infused with rich Yoruba mythology and deep cultural symbolism, themes that Johnson enthusiastically embraced.
“It felt like a dream come true,” she shared with EURweb. “I immersed myself in the comics and studied her relationships and motivations. The voice came to me naturally once I connected with her essence.”
Johnson’s impact extends beyond mere voice work. Recently, she made headlines as the first African recipient of the Outstanding Narration – TV or Film award at the Society of Voice Arts Awards. She expressed that this achievement symbolises more than her success, stating, “It felt like our voices were finally being heard. Africa to the world.”
Her contributions go beyond performance; Johnson also aids voice actors in producing high-quality audio, emphasising that sound quality isn’t solely reliant on expensive equipment. “Many overlook the importance of the recording space itself,” she noted. “A top-notch microphone can’t improve poor sound quality. Start by perfecting your environment.”
As a versatile artist, Johnson draws inspiration from everyday experiences. “To create, you need to live. I dabble in painting, videography, and pottery, even if I’m not particularly skilled at them,” she laughed. All these experiences contribute to my artistic voice.”
When asked about her desired superpower beyond storytelling, she whined about “teleportation or mind reading.” But truly, storytelling feels like its own superpower.
With ‘Iyanu’ bringing African mythology to the forefront for a new audience, Serah Johnson emerges as more than just a voice; she is a powerful force poised to redefine authentic storytelling on a global scale.
