BREAKING: Grammy-nominated artist Masego has officially signed on to compose the score for the highly anticipated anime film Mfinda, marking a historic moment as he becomes the first Black composer to score an anime theatrical film. This urgent development was announced by N LITE, a Black-owned media company and anime studio with roots in the U.S. and Tokyo.
The film, currently in pre-production, features a powerhouse team that includes Oscar-winning producers from GKIDS, along with Viola Davis and Julius Tennon of JuVee Productions, and legendary anime producer Masao Maruyama, known for his work on Tokyo Godfathers.
Mfinda tells the story of a 13-year-old Congolese girl who is transported to a mystical world called Mfinda, a primordial forest filled with spirits and ancestors. This enchanting narrative unfolds during a time of conflict between humans and nature’s spirits, exploring themes of identity and hope.
Masego, celebrated for his innovative blend of jazz, R&B, and hip-hop dubbed “TrapHouseJazz,” is expected to create a score that fuses music with storytelling. “Black anime is my internal world, so when Christiano called me to be a part of this, there was nothing to think about: I’m in,” Masego stated, highlighting his deep connection to anime and its cultural significance.
The collaboration also features Ozie Cargile, N LITE’s musical director and a 2019 Sundance Fellow, known for his acclaimed symphonic pieces. Together, they aim to craft a score that resonates with audiences and leaves a lasting impression.
The film is co-written by Patience Lekien and Christiano Terry, alongside renowned screenwriters Donald H. Hewitt and Mika Abe. Notable executive producers include former NBA MVP Joel Embiid and artist Jaden Smith, who also lends his voice to a character in the film.
As excitement builds for Mfinda, Masego expresses his passion: “To create something that could end up a part of someone’s identity feels good. I’m happy to play my part in crafting a sound the culture will be proud of.”
This groundbreaking project is set to redefine representation in anime, combining rich storytelling with a culturally significant soundtrack. With a release date yet to be announced, fans eagerly await further updates on this promising film.
Stay tuned for more urgent updates on Mfinda as production progresses and more details emerge.
