Turner International's Cartoon Network (DStv 301) came up with the Powerpuff Art Factory - opening tonight and running until 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.
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.
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).
"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."
"Locally Cartoon Network is an appealing boy-focused, inclusive channel driven by an exciting slate that includes shows like Ben 10 who's part of the cultural fabric of South Africa, The Amazing World of Gumball, Teen Titans Go!, The Regular Show and of course the adorably awesome The Powerpuff Girls."
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."
