Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you do?

I’m Oladele Olafuyi, a husband, father, and entrepreneur. I co-founded Kunda Kids with my wife, Louisa Olafuyi, and together we are revolutionizing the ed-tech space by making learning fun, inclusive, and diverse. Our flagship animated series, Kunda & Friends, is a 3D, music-led animation featuring catchy Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Reggae, designed to teach essential early lessons for toddlers.

Tell us more about Kunda and Friends and how you got started with it.

Kunda & Friends is the first animated series from Kunda Kids, an edtech and children’s media company my wife and I founded in London. We launched Kunda Kids in December 2020 during the pandemic, and Kunda & Friends premiered on May 29, 2023, at the O2 Arena in London, celebrating with over 500 attendees! Since then, we’ve premiered in cities like Nairobi, Kampala, Lagos, and Helsinki, with plans to bring the series to the U.S. in 2025. Our mission is simple: to inspire children worldwide by making learning fun, exciting, and engaging. 

The lead character ‘Kunda’ in ‘Kunda & Friends is special to us—he’s inspired by our son, who shares the name. In Runyankole, a language from Uganda where my wife was born, “Kunda” means love, which drives everything we do. 

Our journey began when we became parents in the U.K. During the lockdown and amid the Black Lives Matter movement, we reflected on the values we wanted to instill in our son. Searching for preschool books and shows that celebrated our African culture and our mixed-heritage (Nigerian and Ugandan) family, we were disheartened by the limited options. We recognized the importance of nurturing a love for learning from an early age, teaching our young son about his heritage, and highlighting positive examples of Black fathers and family. Seeing the lack of diverse voices in children’s publishing also motivated my wife to write a series of children’s books, starting with African history for kids. Instead of waiting for publishers to recognize the value of her stories, we boldly chose to become the children’s publisher we wanted to see. Three years later, Kunda Kids launched its first preschool animation series – Kunda and Friends. We’re passionate about this work and excited to create stories that resonate with children everywhere.

Why do you feel it’s important to showcase black fatherhood through animation?

Showcasing Black fatherhood in animation is incredibly important because it allows us to challenge negative stereotypes around Black fathers and share the beautiful reality of involved and loving Black dads. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions that paint Black fathers as absent or distant, but I’ve seen firsthand how dedicated and engaged many of us are. It’s about time we challenge that narrative and share the positive stories of present fathers. 

 In our animations, we depict Black fathers who are deeply engaged in their children’s lives—whether it’s tucking them into bed, playing with them, or teaching them how to ride a bike. For instance, in our rendition of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” you see a father stargazing with his son. In the “Bedtime Song,” a father lovingly puts his child to sleep, and in “I Can Learn New Things,” a father teaches his son to ride a bike. 

These portrayals are powerful because they not only challenge the stereotype of absent fathers but also serve as inspiring examples for all dads. 

Who are you as a Father?

I consider myself the chief storyteller in our home. Storytime is a full theatrical performance, as I pour my heart into bringing stories to life with puppets and plushies. Seeing their eyes light up brings me so much joy. These moments create the best memories I hold dear.

I strive to be hands-on and present in their lives. You’ll often find me giving my son a piggyback ride or cradling my newborn twin daughters. There’s something incredibly special about carrying them on my back in the traditional African way.

 Creating meaningful moments with my children is my priority, and I cherish every opportunity to bond with them. It’s in these simple, everyday moments that we build the love and connection I hope they’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Are the characters in Kunda and Friends a reflection of your actual family/life?

Partly. The character ‘Kunda’ in Kunda Kids is inspired by my son, but we also draw from the richness of our African community to showcase the diversity that exists in Africa. For example, one of our characters, Sana, represents the Indian African experience, highlighting the beautiful blend of cultures on the continent.

 We also incorporate animals in Kunda & Friends, each with its own story and lessons to share. Our goal is to ensure that every child can see themselves in our characters, making the series relatable, educative and meaningful for them. 

What are three takeaways you want toddlers and families to get from Kunda and Friends?

I want toddlers and families around the world who watch Kunda & Friends to take away three important things:

• Representation: I hope they see themselves in our characters, feeling that they truly belong. It’s important for kids to recognize their own stories and experiences, which can inspire a genuine love for learning and confidence.
• Family Connection: I want Kunda & Friends to be a source of joy in family life, creating moments that bring everyone together. Imagine families singing, dancing, and laughing together—those are the memories I cherish and hope to inspire.
• Curiosity and Creativity: Through our stories, I wish to ignite curiosity and encourage creativity. I want kids to feel inspired to explore the world around them and express their unique thoughts and ideas.

• What do your kids think about the animated series?

 My son absolutely loves it! As I mentioned, the lead character ‘Kunda’ is inspired by him. Even though he’s starting to outgrow it a bit, he still enjoys it and we often chat about each new episode. He can probably sing every episode from start to finish by heart!

Define what Black Fatherhood means to you.

Black Fatherhood, to me, means being fully present and engaged in my children’s lives. It’s about nurturing their confidence, helping shape their identity so the world doesn’t impose one on them, and setting a positive example for them to follow. I strive to be the father they can look up to as they navigate the world.

For Black fathers in the diaspora, it can be especially tough. The system wasn’t designed for us to thrive, but by showing resilience, love, and character in challenging times, we set the best example for our children. Ultimately, it’s about creating a warm, supportive environment where they feel valued, loved, and confident to show up authentically, with a strong sense of who they are.

What will it take to normalize a positive depiction of black families through our media?

We need more high-quality content that showcases the beauty and diversity of Black children and families. Kids of African heritage are often underrepresented, especially in animations.

At Kunda & Friends, we’re dedicated to changing that narrative. By sharing heartwarming stories that celebrate Black families, we aim to reshape perceptions and highlight the joy of these connections. With time and commitment, we believe we can shift the conversation around Black family life for the better.

How can people learn more about you, your brands, follow you, etc?

You can learn more about me and Kunda & Friends on our website, www.kundakids.com, subscribe to Kunda and Friends on YouTube and follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and X.