Meet 13-Year-Old Simisola Gbadamosi, Nigeria’s Youngest Emmy Nominee

Simisola Gbadamosi, a 13-year-old Nigerian voice actress, has made history as the youngest Nigerian ever nominated for an Emmy Award.

She received a nomination for the Children’s and Family Emmy Awards in the Outstanding Younger Voice Performer category for her role as Tola in Iwájú, an animated miniseries created in collaboration between Disney and Kugali Media.

Set in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria, Iwájú premiered on February 28, 2024, earning critical acclaim for its rich storytelling, cultural depth, and thought-provoking themes.

The series has secured three Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Children’s or Young Teen Animated Series and Outstanding Directing for an Animated Series. This milestone also marks Iwájú as the first-ever Nigerian television production to be recognized at the prestigious awards.

Simisola, thrilled by the recognition, expressed her gratitude:
“Bringing Tola to life in Iwájú has been an incredible journey. This project is special, and I’m honored to be part of a story that celebrates innovation, culture, and African storytelling.”
She also described the nomination as a dream come true, saying:
“Being recognized alongside such talented individuals—many of whom I’ve admired—is truly an honor.”

The Children’s and Family Emmy Awards will take place on March 15 in Los Angeles, California, where Iwájú will compete for top honors.