Simisola Gbadamosi, a 13-year-old Nigerian voice actress, has made history as the youngest Nigerian to receive an Emmy nomination.
Gbadamosi earned the prestigious recognition for her role as Tola Martins in the Disney+ animated series Iwájú. She has been nominated in the category of Outstanding Younger Voice Performer in a Preschool, Children’s, or Young Teen Program at the 3rd Annual Children’s & Family Emmy Awards.
The highly anticipated awards ceremony is set to take place in Los Angeles on March 15, 2025.
Premiered on February 28, 2024, Iwájú is a six-episode animated series set in a futuristic Lagos. The story follows Tola, a privileged girl from a wealthy island, and Kole, a self-taught tech expert from the mainland, as they navigate their contrasting worlds.
Gbadamosi’s performance has received widespread praise for its authenticity and emotional depth, making her portrayal of Tola both compelling and inspiring.
The series is a collaboration between Disney Animation and Pan-African entertainment company Kugali Media, blending Nigerian culture with modern animation techniques.
Beyond Gbadamosi’s individual nomination, Iwájú has also been recognized in the Outstanding Children’s or Young Teen Animated Series.
On social media, Gbadamosi is being widely celebrated as an inspiration for young African creatives hoping to break into international entertainment. Her nomination is seen as a significant milestone that could pave the way for future generations of Nigerian talent in the global film industry.