13-year-old Simisola Gbadamosi has made history. She has become the youngest Nigerian to get an Emmy nomination.
This followed her amazing role as Tola Martins in the Disney+ animated series ‘Iwájú’ has earned her a spot in the Outstanding Younger Voice Performer category for preschool, children’s, or young teen programs at the 3rd Annual Children’s and Family Emmy Awards, happening on March 15, 2025, in Los Angeles.
This milestone represents a great accomplishment for Gbadamosi and is a proud occasion for Nigeria’s entertainment industry, which is increasingly reaching a global audience.
“Iwájú” is a six-episode series that premiered on February 28, 2024. It tells the story of Tola, a girl from a rich island in a futuristic Lagos, and her friend Kole, who is a self-taught tech whiz. Together, they explore the secrets and difficulties of their different worlds. Gbadamosi’s performance as Tola has received praise for its genuine and emotional depth, making her a relatable and inspiring character.
The series is a collaboration between Disney Animation and Kugali Media, a Pan-African company. It combines Nigerian culture with creative storytelling and addresses issues like inequality in a beautiful animated style.
Social media, particularly X, is buzzing with reactions from users who are excited about Gbadamosi’s historic nomination. Many posts highlight her youth and the pride she brings to Nigeria, with numerous people calling her a trailblazer for upcoming talents.
The online discussions show a strong sense of national pride, as many highlight that her nomination with established professionals reveals the potential of Nigerian youth in the global creative field.
The hashtag #SimisolaGbadamosi is becoming popular, with fans posting parts of ‘Iwájú’ and encouraging messages, emphasizing the importance of her success.
In addition to Gbadamosi’s endorsement, Iwájú has earned two further nominations: Outstanding Children’s or Young Teen Animated Series and Outstanding Directing for an Animated Series for the episode ‘Kole.’
This trio of nominations is historic for a Nigerian television show at the Children’s and Family Emmy Awards, reflecting a growing focus on inclusivity in animated narratives.
See the post here:
#ChildrensEmmys Younger Voice Performer Noms:
– Lucia Cunningham (@cartoonnetwork)
– Simisola Gbadamosi (@DisneyPlus)
– Terrence Little Gardenhigh (@hulu, @peacock)
-Arianna McDonald (@appletv)
– Jacob Tremblay (@Netflix) pic.twitter.com/XYvVnxeqQh
— The Emmys (@TheEmmys) December 12, 2024
A glimpse of the BTS video from the upcoming series, #Iwajú.
Young voice-over actors, Simisola Gbadamosi and Siji Soetan, of Road 14 Studios, play major characters in the Disney+ and Kugali Media series.#Iwájú will be available from February 28.
Credit: @disneyanimation pic.twitter.com/kjsaG3b3lY
— BlueprintAfric (@blueprintafric) February 23, 2024
