Rigging MaiBee: Behind the Scenes of Nafuna Avenues’ Animation

MaiBee is fast becoming a fan favorite in the world of Nafuna Avenues—the new animated series and mobile game being crafted by the talented team at Nafuna Africa. As we continue to bring this Zimbabwean story to life, MaiBee’s expressive movements and unique personality are made possible by a detailed rigging process within Moho, our animation software of choice.

Who is MaiBee?
MaiBee is one of the main characters in Nafuna Avenues, embodying the heart and humor of everyday life in our community. Her voice, visual style, and distinctive walk enrich every episode and game adventure, making her instantly recognizable to fans.

The Moho Rigging Process
To animate MaiBee, we use Moho—a powerful 2D animation tool known for its bone rigging system and smart bones. The rigging process starts with designing the character in layers, carefully separating each part of MaiBee’s body (arms, legs, facial features, and dress). Bones are then assigned to these parts, allowing for natural movements and smooth transitions between actions, such as waving, walking, or changing expressions.

Key Features of Our Rig

• Bone Rigging: Each major limb and joint gets its own bone, enabling complex poses while maintaining design consistency.

• Smart Bones: These help us create advanced deformations—such as bending arms and animating facial expressions—without distortion.

• Animation Layers: Organizing layers ensures clean, efficient workflows and easy editing for different scenes or actions.

• Switch Layers: These allow for rapid changes in MaiBee’s hand gestures, accessories, or facial details.

Why This Matters
Rigging is the backbone of modern animation, transforming static artwork into lively, responsive characters. For Nafuna Avenues, this rigging process empowers our animators to give MaiBee a distinct attitude and energy, connecting audiences more deeply to the stories we tell.

The Future of MaiBee and Nafuna Avenues
As we develop both the animated series and mobile game, MaiBee’s rig will grow and evolve, supporting even more expressive performances and new storylines. Stay tuned for behind-the-scenes content, animation snippets, and tips on digital animation—straight from the Nafuna Africa team.