Simisola Gbadamosi earned a nod in the ‘Outstanding Younger Voice Performer’ category at the 3rd Annual Children’s and Family Emmy Awards for her role as Tola Martins in the Disney+ animated series, Iwájú.
By Abioye Damilare Samson
Nigerian actress, Simisola Gbadamosi, has made history as the youngest Nigerian to receive an Emmy nomination. The 13-year-old earned a nod in the ‘Outstanding Younger Voice Performer’ category at the 3rd Annual Children’s and Family Emmy Awards for her role as Tola Martins in the Disney+ animated series, Iwájú.
Simisola Gbadamosi’s nomination marks a proud moment for Nigeria’s entertainment industry, which continues to gain 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, blends Nigerian culture with creative storytelling while tackling themes of inequality.
Her performance as Tola has been praised for its emotional depth and authenticity, making her a relatable and inspiring character. Beyond Gbadamosi’s nomination, Iwájú has also secured two additional nods: ‘Outstanding Children’s or Young Teen Animated Series’ and ‘Outstanding Directing for an Animated Series’.
Reacting to the news, she shared, “Being nominated for this Emmy is truly an honour. I’m so grateful to be recognised alongside such incredible talent, whom I’ve actually watched, and to be part of a project that means so much. This moment is a dream (that I didn’t know I had) come true”.
The 3rd Annual Children’s and Family Emmy Awards will take place on March 15, 2025, in Los Angeles.