In Lagos, where the ordinary often comes with a twist of the unexpected, Abayomi Odubanjo-Odusote’s work stands as a bold reminder of just how far imagination can take us. A passionate 3D animator with four years of experience, Abayomi blends familiar Nigerian realities with futuristic flair—pushing visual storytelling into new, exciting territory.

His latest animation, created in response to a challenge themed “Reckless Engines,” draws clear inspiration from Disney’s IWAJU. In it, Abayomi reimagines the iconic Lagos danfo—a symbol of the city’s chaos and character—as something much more: a souped-up, sci-fi vehicle with hidden power. The short film opens with a classic Lagos scene—a danfo being chased down the expressway by the Nigerian Police. But when the engine is activated, the story veers into the extraordinary. What seems like a regular bus suddenly bursts into a high-tech escape vehicle, transforming the familiar into something out of a near-future dream.

It’s a narrative that feels local and cinematic at the same time. Lagosians will immediately recognize the setup: cars being pushed from behind, unexpected road antics, police chases. But through Abayomi’s lens, these scenes are elevated—rendered with dynamic animation, dramatic pacing, and crisp sci-fi aesthetics. The animation is both a love letter to the energy of Lagos and a challenge to what we think is possible within our own cityscape.

Abayomi’s creative process is careful and intentional. Working primarily in Blender, he brings together 3D modeling, animation, and sound design to craft immersive visuals. Each frame carries his signature attention to detail, with motion and mood that reflect his background in visual storytelling. His passion for cinema, games, and sound is evident—not just in the visuals but in the rhythm and life of the animation itself.

To explore more of Abayomi’s work, follow him on Instagram @d.aanimations, and check out the rest of his portfolio on Behance.