Thirteen-year-old Nigerian actress Simi Gbadamosi has made history as one of the youngest Nigerians to receive an Emmy nomination.
She has been nominated in the category of “Younger Voice Performer in a Preschool, Children’s, or Young Teen Program” at the 3rd Children’s & Family Emmy Awards for her role as Tola Martins in the Disney+ animated series Iwájú.
The groundbreaking show, a collaboration between Disney Animation and Nigerian studio Kugali Media, has garnered three Emmy nominations, further cementing its international success.
Set in a futuristic Lagos, Iwájú follows the story of Tola, a privileged young girl, and Kole, a resourceful boy from a less affluent background, as they navigate societal challenges. The six-episode series blends Nigerian cultural elements with cutting-edge animation.
Alongside Gbadamosi’s nomination, Iwájú also earned recognition in two additional categories:
Outstanding Children’s or Young Teen Animated Series
Outstanding Directing for an Animated Series (for the episode “Kole”)
Gbadamosi’s nomination is a major milestone for Nollywood and young Nigerian actors, further highlighting the global reach of Nigerian talent. It also reinforces the rising influence of African animation in the international entertainment industry.
The Children’s & Family Emmy Awards will take place on March 15, 2025, in Los Angeles, where Gbadamosi’s achievement will be celebrated among some of the industry’s finest talents.
