At just 13 years old, Simisola Gbadamosi has etched her name in history as the youngest Nigerian ever to receive an Emmy nomination. The rising star has been nominated for a prestigious 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, an innovative animated miniseries created in collaboration between Disney and Kugali Media.
Set in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria, Iwájú debuted on February 28, 2024, and has been widely praised for its compelling storytelling, rich cultural themes, and stunning animation. The groundbreaking series has captivated audiences worldwide, showcasing African heritage in a way never seen before in mainstream animation.
Simisola’s nomination is a defining moment not just for her but for Nigeria’s entertainment industry. She is part of a landmark achievement, as Iwájú has secured three Emmy nominations, making it the first-ever Nigerian television production to earn recognition at the prestigious Children’s and Family Emmy Awards. Alongside Simisola’s individual nomination, the series has also been nominated for Outstanding Children’s or Young Teen Animated Series and Outstanding Directing for an Animated Series.
The nomination has been met with excitement and pride, with many celebrating the young actress’s extraordinary talent and the global recognition of Nigerian storytelling. Simisola, thrilled by the news, shared her excitement over the nomination.
“Bringing Tola to life in Iwájú has been an incredible experience. This project is special, and I’m honored to be part of a story that celebrates innovation, culture, and African storytelling,” she said.
The animated series Iwájú explores themes of socioeconomic disparity, technological advancements, and family bonds, offering a unique perspective on life in a rapidly evolving African metropolis. Its visionary approach and deep narrative themes have positioned it as a game-changer in global animation, reinforcing the need for more African stories in international media.
For Simisola, this nomination represents a moment she never imagined possible.
“Being nominated for this Emmy is truly an honor. I’m so grateful to be recognized alongside such incredible talent, many of whom I have watched and admired. This moment is a dream come true!” she expressed.
Her recognition marks a milestone for young African talents breaking into the global entertainment scene. The Emmy nomination signals a bright future, not only for Simisola but also for African animation and storytelling, proving that the continent’s creative industry is gaining momentum on the world stage.
The Children’s and Family Emmy Awards are scheduled to take place on March 15 in Los Angeles, California, where Simisola and the Iwájú team will await the results of their historic nominations. Regardless of the outcome, her achievement has already set a new precedent, inspiring a new generation of young African creatives to dream bigger and aim higher.
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