Reshaping African Storytelling With Superheroes Rooted In Culture

A new generation of African storytellers is redefining what it means to be a hero, moving beyond capes and skyscrapers to celebrate power, heritage, and identity. In Nigeria, filmmaker James Omokwe is leading this movement with Osamede, a superhero film inspired by the 1897 British invasion of the Benin Kingdom.

The film tells the story of a young woman, Osamede, who discovers her ancestral warrior powers amid colonial conflict, symbolizing the strength and spirit of her people.

Omokwe, who worked closely with Benin cultural historians, said the project aims to ground modern storytelling in authentic African history.

As filmmakers across the continent embrace their roots, African superheroes are becoming more than fantasy, they’re guardians of culture, pride, and the enduring story of resilience.