Nigeria’s love for anime sees competition enlargement

Virtually 1,000 followers of anime converged to Lagos, Nigeria for the second version of the Eko Anime Pageant.

Some anime followers carried out on stage, and plenty of had been cosplaying their favorite characters.

Anime is animation originating from Japan. Its movies and characters are a part of a tradition current in lots of extra mediums like video video games.

“We realised that there actually wasn’t any conference or competition like an anime fest in the entire of Nigeria,” says Laura Ajayi, co-organiser of the second version of the Eko anime competition.

“So, we thought why do not we begin this as a result of we’ve got a complete group of otakus, weebs, even folks that simply wish to dip their toes into the anime pool and so we thought why do not we simply do that, all people comes collectively and you recognize have enjoyable and it really works.”

Anime has a giant following in Nigeria, the place most grew up with Voltron, Naruto, and Samurai X within the Nineteen Eighties all the way in which to the early 2000s.

“I feel Nigerians have an interest within the anime tradition as a result of Nigerians usually like to attempt new issues so the anime, which is a completely totally different tradition by itself is a brand new and distinctive factor to Nigeria so they’ll preserve loving it as a result of they preserve bringing out various things every year which proceed to carry our consideration, which is excellent for us,” provides Ajayi.

Nigerian anime lovers say their purpose is to socialize and promote the tradition.

The recognition of anime tradition is claimed to have grown on-line in Nigeria, with many Japanese comics (manga) accessible on web sites and apps, and followers speaking about them by social media.

Antonio, who’s attending the competition, likes anime due to its inclusivity.

“Anime imitates life, there’s an anime for everyone and every part. If you happen to like sport, there’s an anime for sports activities, in case you like horror motion pictures, motion motion pictures, romance, fairy tales, there’s an anime for you and also you simply have to have a look at it. Anime is large and it is for everyone.”

Anime lovers are optimistic that extra Nigerians will come to like and embrace the tradition, and in addition hope to organise greater subsequent festivals.