N LITE’s ‘Afro-Anime’ Film MFINDA Adds Jaden Smith to Cast

During N LITE’s Anime Expo 2025 panel, the staff revealed that popular musician and actor Jaden Smith will be joining the cast for the MFINDA “AFRIME” or “afro-anime.” Jaden Smith will voice Kozo, whose character visuals were shown earlier this year.

N LITE also revealed that Jaden Smith is an executive producer and will contribute music for the anime. NBA player Joel Embiid’s production company will be executive producers and is also co-producing the film’s companion documentary, MFINDA: Spirits of the Congo. The film will feature behind-the-scenes footage, as well as provide insight into the culture and folklore of the Congo.

Viola Davis and Julius Tennon’s JuVee Productions are partnering with N LITE for the MFINDA film and will serve as executive producers. MAPPA’s Masao Maruyama is producing the anime. Gisaburō Sugii is directing, while Arthell Isom will serve as co-director. Donald H. Hewitt, Mika Abe, and Patience Lekien are handling the screenplay.

In addition, N LITE will also be releasing the first volume of MFINDA: The Manga later this year. The manga will consist of three volumes and will be written by Terry, with art direction from MFINDA creator Lekien. The goal of N LITE is to tell black and indigenous stories in collaboration with global creators.

Lastly, here’s an overview of the anime via N LITE:

MFINDA tells the story of a young girl, Odi, who is transported into the past where she joins another young girl, Nasambi. They must venture into the MFINDA and confront evil spirits to reclaim the Nkisi if she has any hope of returning home.