EO20: Building a Studio From Scratch with Raymond Malinga of Creatures Africa

Exclamation point in human form! That's the best way to describe Raymond Malinga's energy! The founder and CEO of ⁠Creatures Africa⁠ in Kampala, Uganda, joined me to discuss the evolving business of animation.

Described as a "global cocktail," Malinga shares insights from his unique journey—from growing up in Belgium and studying animation at Multimedia University in Malaysia to returning home to build a world-class studio from scratch in a nascent industry.

The conversation explores his "future-forward" outlook and the bravery required to pursue a creative career when local environments lack an established status quo.

Key highlights of the episode include:

Landmark Projects: How the success of A Kalabanda Ate My Homework brought international attention to Ugandan animation at the Cannes Film Festival, and

Malinga's role directing Herder Boy for the Disney+ anthology Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire.

Global Success: Discussion of the studio's partnership on Kunda and Friends, a 3D series that has achieved a staggering 1 billion minutes viewed across 224 countries.

Strategic Advantages: Malinga explains why the lack of established "rules" in the Ugandan industry provides a strategic advantage, allowing creators to innovate and break traditional molds while still understanding global standards.

Overcoming Barriers: Practical insights into the challenges of running a studio in a landlocked country, including high taxes on equipment and the necessity of self-teaching and internal training to build a talent pool.

Mindset and Advocacy: The importance of a global perspective, the power of nostalgia, and Malinga’s dedication to using his platform (including his TED talk) to advocate for the spirit and growth of African animation.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of creativity, cultural authenticity, and the business resilience required to put African stories on the global stage ⁠. 

 ⁠Get instant access to the livestream recordings here!