Simisola Gbadamosi, a 13-year-old Nigerian voice actress, has made history as the youngest Nigerian to ever receive an Emmy nomination.
She has been nominated for a Children’s and Family Emmy Award in the Outstanding Younger Voice Performer category for her role as Tola in Iwájú, a groundbreaking animated miniseries created by Disney and Kugali Media.
Set in a futuristic Lagos, Iwájú premiered on February 28, 2024, earning global praise for its storytelling, cultural depth, and stunning animation. Simisola’s nomination is just one of three for the series, which is also up for Outstanding Children’s or Young Teen Animated Series and Outstanding Directing for an Animated Series at the awards ceremony on March 15 in Los Angeles.
Her nomination is a historic first for Nigeria, making Iwájú the first-ever Nigerian TV production to be recognized at the Children’s and Family Emmy Awards.
Speaking about the honor, Simisola expressed her excitement:
“Bringing Tola to life in Iwájú has been an incredible experience. This project is so special, and I’m beyond grateful to be part of a story that celebrates African culture, innovation, and storytelling.”
This young trailblazer is already inspiring a new generation, proving that Nigerian talent is shining on the world stage!
