Nollywood‘s rising star Simisola Gbadamosi has achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming one of the youngest actors ever to receive an Emmy nomination. At just 13 years old, she has earned recognition for her voice performance as Tola Martins in the Disney+ animated series Iwájú. Her nomination falls under the category of “Outstanding Younger Voice Performer in a Preschool, Children’s, or Young Teen Program” at the 3rd Children’s & Family Emmy Awards.
Iwájú’s Success and Critical Acclaim
Iwájú, a groundbreaking project by Disney Animation and Kugali Media, has received wide praise for its compelling storytelling and authentic cultural representation. The animated miniseries, set in a futuristic version of Lagos, Nigeria, follows the journey of Tola Martins, a young girl from an affluent background, and her best friend Kole Adesola, a self-taught tech expert. The show explores themes of class differences, innovation, and friendship.
Since its debut on February 28, 2024, on Disney+, Iwájú has captured global attention, securing three Emmy nominations in total. In addition to Gbadamosi’s nomination, the series is also recognized in the categories of “Outstanding Children’s or Young Teen Animated Series” and “Outstanding Directing for an Animated Series”. This marks a significant achievement as Iwájú becomes the first Nigerian television show to be nominated at the Children’s & Family Emmy Awards.
Gbadamosi’s Reaction and Nollywood’s Global Recognition
Gbadamosi expressed her excitement, stating that being nominated for an Emmy was an unexpected but incredible honor. She conveyed gratitude for the opportunity to be recognized alongside talented industry professionals and to be part of a project with profound cultural significance.
Her nomination is not only a personal victory but also a testament to the increasing global recognition of Nollywood and Nigerian talent. The success of Iwájú highlights the industry’s ability to produce high-quality content that resonates with international audiences. It also signals a growing interest in African animation, encouraging further investment in the sector.
The Creative Team Behind Iwájú
The success of Iwájú is largely attributed to the creative team behind it. Directed by Olufikayo Ziki Adeola, with music composed by Ré Olunuga, the series was brought to life through the collaboration of Kugali Media and Disney Animation. Kugali Media, founded by Adeola, Tolu Olowofoyeku, and Hamid Ibrahim, has been instrumental in bringing African stories to a global audience.
The show’s production involved animation studios across different locations, including Cinesite Montreal and London, with story development overseen at Disney’s Burbank and Vancouver studios. The partnership between Disney and Kugali Media represents a new chapter in African storytelling, proving that African animation has a place on major international platforms.
Impact on the Nigerian Entertainment Industry
Gbadamosi’s nomination is expected to inspire a new generation of Nigerian actors and voice artists, demonstrating that local talent can achieve international acclaim. The recognition of Iwájú at the Children’s & Family Emmy Awards encourages further investment in African animation and related industries, fostering an environment where more original stories from Nigeria can reach a global audience.
Industry experts believe that this milestone could lead to more collaborations between Hollywood and Nollywood, creating new opportunities for African creatives in the global entertainment landscape. With the increasing demand for diverse storytelling, Nigerian filmmakers, animators, and actors are poised to make an even greater impact.
For viewers interested in experiencing Iwájú, the series is currently available for streaming. The Children’s & Family Emmy Awards ceremony is set to take place on March 15, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. The event will celebrate excellence in children’s programming, bringing together top creators and performers from around the world.
Experts in the industry believe that this milestone could lead to more collaborations between Hollywood and Nollywood, creating new opportunities for African creatives in the global entertainment landscape.
As anticipation builds for the awards ceremony, Gbadamosi’s nomination remains a proud moment for Nigeria and the broader African entertainment industry. Whether or not she takes home the award, her achievement serves as a landmark moment in the history of Nollywood and a stepping stone for more African talent to shine.
