Simisola Gbadamosi, a 13-year-old Nigerian voice actress, has made history as the youngest Nigerian to be nominated for an Emmy Award.
She earned a nomination in the prestigious Children’s and Family Emmy Awards 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 groundbreaking animated miniseries created through a partnership between Disney and Kugali Media.
Set in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria, Iwájú premiered on February 28, 2024, and quickly became a hit, receiving praise for its rich storytelling, deep themes, and authentic representation of African culture.
Simisola’s nomination is one of three that Iwájú has received at the upcoming Children’s and Family Emmy Awards, which will be held on March 15 in Los Angeles, California. The show has also been nominated for Outstanding Children’s or Young Teen Animated Series and Outstanding Directing for an Animated Series.
The young actress expressed her excitement and gratitude for being recognized on such a global stage.
“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!” Simisola shared.
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She also spoke about how special it was to bring the character of Tola to life.
“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.”
Her nomination is a historic achievement, making Iwájú the first-ever Nigerian television production to be nominated at the Children’s and Family Emmy Awards.
The animated series explores themes of socioeconomic disparity, technology, and family bonds, offering a unique glimpse into a futuristic African city.
Simisola’s nomination is a proud moment for Nigeria, and many believe it will inspire young talents across the country to pursue their dreams in the creative industry.