So recently I got my hands on a few ESP32s. Actually I got one , blew it up in no time , ordered 2 more. I'm going to esp32 for this project. Using a pic is not worth the costs or hassle.

Here is a test i did with the esp32. This is 1 of 42 segments I'm using to test with. Its amazing how smooth the animation  appears although its only 7 leds doing the work in this test.