Simisola Gbadamosi, a 13-year-old actress, has become the youngest Nigerian to receive an Emmy nomination.
Her outstanding performance as Tola Martins in the Disney+ animated series “Iwájú” earned her a spot in the Outstanding Younger Voice Performer category at the 3rd Annual Children’s and Family Emmy Awards.
Gbadamosi’s historic nomination is a proud moment for Nigeria’s entertainment industry, which is increasingly gaining global recognition.
“Iwájú” is a six-episode series that premiered on February 28, 2024, and tells the story of Tola, a girl from a rich island in a futuristic Lagos, and her friend Kole, a self-taught tech whiz.
The series, a collaboration between Disney Animation and Kugali Media, combines Nigerian culture with creative storytelling and addresses issues like inequality in a beautiful animated style.
Gbadamosi’s performance as Tola has received praise for its genuine and emotional depth, making her a relatable and inspiring character.
“Iwájú” has also earned two further nominations: Outstanding Children’s or Young Teen Animated Series and Outstanding Directing for an Animated Series for the episode “Kole.” The 3rd Annual Children’s and Family Emmy Awards will take place on March 15, 2025, in Los Angeles.
