Simisola Gbadamosi, a 13-year-old Nigerian voice actress, has been nominated for a Children’s and Family Emmy Award in the category of Outstanding Younger Voice Performer in a Preschool, Children’s or Young Teen Program for her role as Tola in Iwájú, a production brought to life by a first-of-its-kind partnership between Disney and Kugali Media. Iwájú is a children’s animated miniseries set in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria.
Iwájú, which premiered on February 28, 2024, was met with rave critical reviews and widespread audience reception. The Children’s and Family Emmy Awards are part of the historic Emmy Awards for artistic and technical merit in the American television industry. These awards are bestowed by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. This year’s Children’s and Family Emmy Awards will take place on March 15 in Los Angeles, California.
Iwájú has been nominated in three categories. Simisola’s previously noted nomination stands alongside the show’s nomination in the category of Outstanding Children’s or Young Teen Animated Series, as well as a nomination in the category of Outstanding Directing for an Animated Series.
Simisola is the youngest Nigerian in history to be nominated for an Emmy Award. Iwájú itself is the first Nigerian television show to be nominated for any Children’s and Family Emmy Awards.
Iwájú’s popularity comes as no surprise. The show bravely explores themes of socioeconomic disparities, disenfranchisement, and family dynamics, all against the backdrop of an imagined futuristic, hyper-technology-driven Lagos, Nigeria. In a rarity for children’s cartoons, the show’s characters are given backstory, which deepens the audience’s understanding of their choices. Ultimately, the depths of Lagos are experienced alongside the depths of humanity, as each of the show’s characters evolve over its six episodes. It stands as a first of its kind.
On her role in the show, Simisola says, “Bringing Tola to life in Iwájú has been an incredible journey. This project is so special, and I’m honored to be part of a story that celebrates innovation, culture, and African storytelling.” Iwájú is also a heavily African production. The show’s director is Olufikayo Ziki Adeola (Nigeria), while the music is by Ré Olunuga (Nigeria). The story itself is the brainchild of Kugali Media, which is helmed by Adeola, Tolu Olowofoyeku (Nigeria), and Hamid Ibrahim (Uganda).
Indeed, this moment—the show, this global recognition—stands as a proud milestone not just for Nigeria but for the entire continent of Africa.
When Simisola was cast as Tola in Iwájú, she never could have seen this moment coming. She notes, “Being nominated for this Emmy is truly an honor. I’m so grateful to be recognized alongside such incredible talent, whom I’ve actually watched, and to be part of a project that means so much. This moment is a dream (that I didn’t know I had) come true!”
As with all great moments, Iwájú is very much a team effort. The show came to be through a partnership between Disney and Kugali. Jennifer Lee, Chief Creative Officer, Walt Disney Animation, led the effort for the company to participate in its first-ever production partnership, making history with Kugali, which was well-positioned to take on the challenge. The partnership has proven fruitful, with Iwájú now recognized by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the world’s foremost institution dedicated to the advancement of excellence in television. As well as the show’s star, Simisola Gbadamosi, receiving Iwájú’s sole Children and Family Emmys nomination in an acting category.
Iwájú is currently streaming on Disney+ as well as airing on DStv, Channel 303.
