Epic Nigerian-Produced Superhero Series Debuts on Cartoon Network

By Vanessa Obioha

The groundbreaking Nigerian-produced superhero cartoon ‘Garbage Boy & Trash Can’ brought to life by animator Ridwan Moshood has finally landed on Cartoon Network. The premiere episode aired on Monday, July 17 on the channel and has continued to enthrall viewers daily.

This thrilling series combines humour, creativity, and heartwarming messages, introducing young Tobi, an unconventional superhero with an unusual sidekick – a quirky trash can. Together, they embark on extraordinary escapades that promise to captivate audiences like never before.

At its core, ‘Garbage Boy’ showcases the remarkable character of Tobi, who may lack traditional superpowers but possesses an unwavering belief in his abilities, making it his greatest strength. In the face of trash, he sees endless possibilities for fun and adventure. From crafting sock-firing bazookas out of PVC pipes to constructing electron microscopes from broken VCR parts, Garbage Boy believes that everything – even garbage – holds value. By his side is Trash Can, an alien robot exiled from his home planet, driven by duty. With boundless intellect and a compact, gadget-filled metallic frame, Trash Can proves to be a formidable ally.

Together, Garbage Boy and Trash Can confront their main adversaries: boredom and Dr. Sore Eyes, a character fueled by revenge after being rejected by the Academy of Really Real Sciences. Despite their challenges, Dr. Sore Eyes often finds himself sabotaging his own plans.

Ridwan Moshood, the creator, found inspiration for the show in the adversity he faced during his childhood. “The inspiration for creating the lead characters came from the derogatory name some bullies used to call me back in junior secondary school. However, I soon realized that this name did not define my identity or limit my potential,” he shares.

Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice, Dr. Busola Tejumola expresses her belief that “Garbage Boy & Trash Can” will captivate audiences with its unique blend of humour, adventure, and empowering messages. She takes pride in featuring local African content on DStv, recognizing the significance of representation and inclusive storytelling. “Garbage Boy & Trash Can” not only showcases the creativity of the African animation industry but also the immense potential within the industry,” Dr. Tejumola asserts.

Co-produced by Magic Carpet, a leading Nigerian animation studio, and featuring talented actors from Uganda, Malawi, Nigeria, and the USA, ‘Garbage Boy and Trash Can’ pays homage to the classic cartoons that enriched Moshood’s childhood, including Saturday morning favourites like ‘Dexter’s Laboratory,’ ‘The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy,’ ‘The Powerpuff Girls’
and more.