Roho: The Age of Masks – a project that could quite possibly be the next big animated series – has been brought to life as a comic book by its two young Capetonian creators.
A story rooted in African culture and tradition, Roho weaves together fantasy and adventure while remaining grounded in the familiar setting of Cape Town. It’s a tale of spirit animals, unleashed powers, and a young teen named Leo whose life is transformed by the mystical forces around him. But how did this fantastical world of mystery and heroes come to be?
The Origins of Roho
Roho is the brainchild of two best friends, Chris Cuningham and Connor Rhoda, who have shared a passion for storytelling since their high school days. In 2020, while studying story development at SAE under the guidance of Wendy Spinks, Connor was challenged to craft a narrative inspired by his surroundings. The concept started simply: a kid in a neo-African futuristic Cape Town gains cheetah powers from a mask. But Connor saw more potential, and with Chris’ help the world of Roho (“spirit” in Swahili) was soon gaining shape.
They envisioned a universe where powers are granted by masks, a place where anyone can awaken and control their spirit animal, or Roho. Connor immersed himself in illustrating concept art, while Chris developed the structure of a world populated with rich history, lore, and captivating characters.
In 2022 Chris and Connor entered the Road to Annecy incubation programme, run by Tshimologong, which focussed on the growth and development of animated projects. The programme included mentorship in storytelling, art direction, and most importantly, how to present their show through a pitch bible (a key document for pitching animated series). This process culminated in an incredible opportunity: presenting Roho at the prestigious Annecy Animation Festival in France.
Expanding the World: From Animation to Comic
From Annecy onwards, the momentum continued. Back in Cape Town, they were invited to present at the Cape Town Animation Festival (CTIAF) during Fame Week Africa. The experience was nerve-wracking but exhilarating, particularly given the waves of positive feedback received.
The founder of Scene It had seen Chris and Connor presenting at CTIAF and commissioned them to produce two animations set against iconic Cape Town landmarks. The result was two shorts: one featuring the main character Leo at the Castle of Good Hope and another with Oorun Pride at City Hall, showcasing both the characters and the beauty of Cape Town.
All this time they were refining not just the look of Roho, but also the pacing and storytelling of the series, with an eye for how the project could evolve. The world was pretty much complete: it just needed an audience, and the quickest way to an audience would be a comic.
In 2024, they created and released the first issue of Roho: The Age of Masks as a digital comic, and soon after, printed the first 100 physical copies. Seeing the comic in print was a dream come true, a major milestone that brought them closer to making Roho a fully realised world. The comics are now available in popular independent bookstores such as The Book Lounge and Clarke’s Bookshop, or you an get your hands on one by signing up here.
The Future of Roho
Looking ahead, Chris, Connor, and new team member Michaela Richards, envision a vibrant future for Roho. Michaela discovered the comic and became an instant fan, leading her to reach out and join the team as head writer, crafting new narratives and expanding on the foundation created by Chris and Connor.
The success of the comic has opened doors for further exploration of the story and its characters. The team aims to create an animated trailer with the support of fans, which will serve as a dynamic introduction to the Roho animated series. Additionally, they plan to create more comics that delve deeper into character backstories and introduce new heroes and adventures. With every step they take, the goal remains clear: to make Roho a beloved franchise that resonates with audiences locally and globally, while inspiring others to create their own projects.
Why Roho Matters
Roho is important because it represents a unique fusion of African culture, tradition, and modern storytelling. In a world where representation is crucial, Roho offers a fresh perspective, showcasing characters and narratives that reflect the rich heritage of Africa while embracing universal themes of inner strength, identity, and self-discovery.
By incorporating elements of fantasy grounded in the familiar reality of Cape Town, Roho highlights the importance of understanding one’s roots and the power of community. Through the spirit animals and the characters’ journeys, Roho encourages everyone to discover their true selves and embrace their potential.
With Michaela on board, the team is even more equipped to develop meaningful narratives that resonate with audiences. As Chris, Connor, and Michaela continue to expand the Roho: The Age of Masks universe, they aim to inspire creators from all backgrounds not just through entertainment, but also through impactful storytelling.
Follow the project’s progress on Instagram @RohotheAgeofMasks
