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Cape Town – From Thursday evening South Africans can see Cartoon Network's The Powerpuff Girls as you've never seen them before in a world-first event - reimagined by 10 South African artists and illustrators in a special local art exhibition.
Turner International's Cartoon Network (DStv 301) came up with the Powerpuff Art Factory – on Thursday, 6 April and running until Thursday, 2 May at 91 Loop Street in Cape Town, featuring an exhibition of 10 unique Powerpuff Girls screen-prints by 10 artists and illustrators.
Singer Tony Delazy sang and opened the Powerpuff Girls Art Factory media launch showing on Wednesday evening with her local version of the Powerpuff Girls theme song she produced last year for the relaunch of the new series, while guests munched on cupcakes and primary-coloured drinks.
See a video of Toya’s performance here:
Cartoon Network decided to reimagine the Powerpuff Girls through the lens of contemporary African artists with the money from the initiative of localising the iconic pop-culture brand, going to Rock Girl South Africa, a girl-led non-governmental organisation (NGO) helping to reduce violence against women and girls.
Here’s a video of the Rock Girls explaining how their organisation came about and what they do:
The new Powerpuff Girls is currently on Cartoon Network on weekdays at 17:20, and Turner International in Africa decided to run the initiative with each of the 10 artworks on display that's hand-printed on archival paper and that's available for sale.
The 10 South African Powerpuff Girls paintings have been done by Thandiwe Tshabalala, Ello Xray Eyez, Qondile Dlamini, Jade Klara, Tyla Manson, Ndumiso Nyoni, Karabo Poppy Moletsane, Anja "Nanna" Venter, Jeanne Fourie and Saint Rose (Kgabo Mametja).
Here’s a pic of some of the art:
"We believe that not only is this the first event of its kind in Africa, we believe it's the first event of its kind in the world," said Colman Murray, Turner Broadcasting Africa's business development director.
"Cartoon Network is the dominant kids channel across Africa. But it's not only the number one kids channel, but it ranks number 7 for adults out of 102 channels that you can get on DStv."
He revealed fascinating local viewership statistics regarding the massive popularity of Turner's Cartoon Network on DStv in South Africa, and the enduring appeal of the Powerpuff Girls.
"More than 10.2 million viewers have tuned in to Cartoon Network already this year in South Africa," said Colman Murray.
"Powerpuff Girls has reached an audience of more than 4.9 million viewers this year in South Africa. Powerpuff Girls has reached more than one in two kids in South Africa since its launch – it’s a massive success for us."
