The Tsunami Studio

The Tsunami Studio is a Kenyan creative media production house based in Nairobi, founded in 2012. Its work centers on African and Kenyan storytelling through animation, illustration, film and sound. The studio develops original entertainment projects alongside commissioned media for commercial brands, educational organizations and public-sector clients.

Animation, illustration and sound

The studio specializes in 2D animation, producing animated shorts, explainer videos, commercials and motion graphics. Its illustration work spans character design, concept art, comic books, editorial artwork and promotional posters. These capabilities support both the development of original characters and stories and visual communication for client campaigns.

Sound and music production form another part of its offering, with in-house recording, composition, beat production, vocal tracking and sound-effects design. The studio also undertakes live-action commercials, documentary shorts and web-series development, bringing several forms of media production into its creative practice.

Original stories and commissioned work

Its animation portfolio includes Thank God It's Friday, Ma-Otero, The Next Rainbow and SENAI – Journey to Elusive Freedom. Collaboration is part of that work: Ma-Otero and The Next Rainbow were produced with Kenyan studio Avandu, with Salim Busuru directing the latter.

Alongside entertainment, the studio has developed educational infographic animations with MaishaEDU and Kenya's Higher Education Loans Board. This work applies motion design to financial and educational literacy, extending its storytelling practice into practical information for young audiences.

Animation culture and community

The studio's activities also extend to creative events. In 2019, it partnered with Movie Jabber to create Otamatsuri, an African anime and pop-culture festival. The partnership connects its production work with a broader audience for animation and illustrated storytelling.

The company continues to produce original content and accept commercial commissions. It also publishes tutorials and industry reviews, contributing material for audiences interested in animation and the Kenyan creative sector.