Simisola Gbadamosi, a 13-year-old Nigerian actress, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the youngest Nigerian to receive an Emmy nomination. Her remarkable portrayal of Tola Martins in the Disney+ animated series Iwájú earned her a nomination in the Outstanding Younger Voice Performer category at the 3rd Annual Children’s and Family Emmy Awards.

This historic nomination marks a proud moment for Nigeria’s entertainment industry, further solidifying its growing influence on the global stage.

Iwájú

Premiering on February 28, 2024, Iwájú is a six-episode animated series that follows the story of Tola, a young girl from a wealthy island in a futuristic Lagos, and her friend Kole, a self-taught tech expert. The series, a collaboration between Disney Animation and Kugali Media, seamlessly blends Nigerian culture with innovative storytelling, addressing themes such as inequality through its visually stunning animation.

Gbadamosi’s performance as Tola has been widely praised for its authenticity and emotional depth, making her character both relatable and inspiring to audiences worldwide.

Additional Nominations for Iwájú

In addition to Gbadamosi’s nomination, Iwájú has received two other accolades: Outstanding Children’s or Young Teen Animated Series and Outstanding Directing for an Animated Series for the episode titled Kole.

The 3rd Annual Children’s and Family Emmy Awards ceremony will be held on March 15, 2025, in Los Angeles.