“Iwájú” Earns 3 Emmy Nominations, Simisola Gbadamosi Shines with Younger Voice Performer Nod
Disney+’s groundbreaking animated series Iwájú has secured three nominations at the upcoming 3rd Children’s & Family Emmy Awards, with rising star Simisola Gbadamosi earning recognition for her role as Tola Martins. The young actress is nominated in the category of “Younger Voice Performer in a Preschool, Children’s, or Young Teen Program.”
The series itself is nominated for “Children’s or Young Teen Animated Series” and “Directing for an Animated Series” for the standout episode Kole.
Set in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria, Iwájú follows the story of Tola, a young girl from an affluent background, and her friend Kole, a tech-savvy boy from a less privileged community. Together, they explore the challenges and hidden truths of their contrasting worlds, delivering a captivating story steeped in African culture and futuristic themes.
The nominations mark a significant milestone for African storytelling on a global platform. Hamid Ibrahim, the show’s production designer, expressed his pride on social media, saying: “The way I feel humbled. Officially a creator of an Emmy-nominated show.”
The Children’s & Family Emmy Awards, which honour excellence in children’s entertainment, will take place in Los Angeles on March 15, 2025. The recognition of Iwájú not only celebrates the creative talent behind the series but also highlights the growing importance of diverse narratives in global media.
