N Lite And Hypland Launch Afro-Anime Apparel Collaboration
by Cassell Ferere · ForbesStarting the new year with a much-needed collaboration in the anime space, media company, and anime studio N LITE has unveiled a partnership with anime-inspired streetwear brand HYPLAND, marking a new era for Afro-Anime storytelling in fashion. This multi-collection collaboration will debut with an exclusive line inspired by the Emmy Award-winning series Afro Samurai by Gonzo K.K., with creative contributions from the legendary Wu-Tang Clan.
This partnership seeks to amplify Black anime characters through HYPLAND’s signature blend of streetwear and anime culture. Future collections will feature N LITE’s original afro-anime ('afrime') intellectual property and iconic legacy anime IPs, solidifying this collaboration as a celebration of diversity within the anime.
The partnership brings together two gamechanging entrepreneurs, N LITE founder Christiano Terry and HYPLAND founder Jordan Bentley. N LITE, a media company and anime studio, is renowned for its mission to bring untapped stories from the Black imagination to life. With projects such as the upcoming feature film MFINDA, produced in collaboration with Viola Davis' JuVee Productions and distributed by Oscar-winning studio GKIDS, N LITE is cementing its position as a cultural innovator.
HYPLAND, led by Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree Jordan Bentley, has redefined the intersection of streetwear, anime, and gaming since its inception in 2010. Known for collaborations with Dragon Ball Z, Hello Kitty, and Netflix, HYPLAND has become a cultural hub for fans and creatives celebrating anime and gaming.
For Christiano Terry, this collaboration is a natural evolution of N LITE’s afro-anime IP. “Having Jordan and HYPLAND as our core partners aligns with our mission to put culture first and build bridges that connect anime fandoms around the world,” says Terry.
Bentley shares the enthusiasm, adding, “Each show and film is a chance for us to connect with new fans and communities. I’m thrilled to bring the N LITE universe to life in a way that feels fresh and exciting for everyone.”
N LITE’s eCommerce platform, nlite.shop, launches this month. It will offer merchandise, apparel, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content from its afro-anime IPs, including MFINDA. The first N LITE x HYPLAND collection, set to drop in Summer 2025, will be available on HYPLAND’s website and retail store in Los Angeles, as well as on nlite.shop.
N LITE operates globally in the U.S., Japan, and Africa, with Studio N LITE based in Tokyo. Combining traditional Japanese animation with the cultural richness of the African diaspora, N LITE is pioneering the afro-anime genre.
HYPLAND seamlessly blends streetwear with anime and gaming culture through apparel, accessories, and home goods. With a decade of groundbreaking collaborations and a commitment to diversity, HYPLAND continues influencing anime trends in fashion and culture.