YOUTUBE ORIGINALS KIDS & FAMILY DEBUTS OFFICIAL TRAILER FOR "SUPER SEMA" VOICED BY ACADEMY AWARD-WINNING ACTRESS AND AUTHOR LUPITA NYONG'O

ANIMATED SERIES FEATURING YOUNG AFRICAN SUPERHERO GIRL PRODUCED BY KUKUA'S ALL FEMALE TEAM

WATCH EPISODES 1-8 MARCH 8 ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY ONLY ON SUPER SEMA'S OFFICIAL YOUTUBE CHANNEL

WHAT:

Today YouTube Originals released the official trailer for "Super Sema" - voiced by Academy Award-winning actress and author, Lupita Nyong'o. The brand new animated series features a young superhero African girl named Sema and follows her world-changing adventures. Episodes 1 through 8 of this free-to-stream series are available Monday, March 8 at 8:00AM PST / 11AM EST and new episodes will roll-out between March and April only on the YouTube Originals for Kids & Family channel.

Fueled by STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math), and set in an African-futuristic world, Sema, along with her brother MB, uses her "technovating" powers to save her village from the villainous Tobor and his army of mischievous Bongalala robots. A heartless artificially intelligent ruler, Tobor meets his match in Sema, who knows that with determination, creativity, and a helping hand from the amazing worlds of science and technology, anything is possible.

"Super Sema" was written by four-time BAFTA winner Claudia Lloyd ("Charlie & Lola," "Mr. Bean," "Tinga Tinga Tales") and directed by Lynne Southerland, the first female African-American director for Disney ("Mulan II"). The series will be available on the Super Sema YouTube channel, which has had its WatchTime hours increase by more than 40% year-over-year in 2020 vs. 2019.

"We couldn't be more proud of this series, it is the perfect addition to our diverse slate of content that supports kids learning and discovery of their unique strengths and passions," said Nadine Zylstra, Head of Kids and Learning for YouTube Originals. "Coming from Africa and produced by an all-female team, Super Sema empowers young girls and boys around the globe who may see themselves in Sema, who is a smart, adventurous African girl. "

"Super Sema" is created and produced by Nariobi-based children's entertainment company, Kukua. Overseeing the project for YouTube are Zylstra, along with Daniel Haack on the kids development team. The series is part of YouTube Originals' new slate of projects coming from the previously announced $100 million commitment to invest in the future of quality kids, family and educational programming.

About You Tube Kids & Family Originals:

"Super Sema" joins a growing roster of YouTube Originals focused on kids and family, including the award-winning "Lockdown," and recent hits such as "Pinkfong Wonderstar," "Sherwood," "We Are Savvy," "Hyperlinked," "Fruit Ninja Frenzy Force, "Kings of Atlantis" and DanTDM Creates A Big Scene." Shows on the YouTube Originals for Kids & Family channel can be found here.

About YouTube Originals:

YouTube Originals are award-winning, creative and engaging scripted and unscripted series and films across music, personalities and learning for fans all over the world. Spotlighting both YouTube creators alongside Hollywood's biggest stars, YouTube Originals provide an experience that only YouTube can offer. By tapping into the platform's growing global community, fan engagement product capabilities, and innovative content mixed with pioneering live-streamed specials, there is truly something for everybody. Fans experience YouTube Original content through ad-supported YouTube as well as YouTube Premium, a subscription service that offers access to YouTube Original series and movies, a streaming music platform, and an uninterrupted, ad-free experience across all of YouTube. YouTube Originals are available in nearly 80 countries worldwide.

About Kukua:

Founded by Lucrezia Bisignani in 2015, Kukua is a Nairobi-based children's edutainment startup with an award-winning female team working at the intersection of technology, entertainment and education. It's first franchise, Super Sema, was introduced to children in Africa through literacy apps, available on both iOS and Android. In 2019 Kukua launched Sema's Lab, the first African kids' DIY and science experiment series. The Super Sema animated series is the franchise's most exciting development to date, and will be accompanied by real science and DIY experiments that children can do at home.