Simisola Gbadamosi, a 13-year-old Nigerian-American voice actress, is the youngest Nigerian to receive an Emmy nomination. She was nominated for her role as Tola Martins in the Disney+ animated series Iwájú.
Born on April 17, 2011, in Washington, D.C., Simisola Gbadamosi has loved storytelling and animation since childhood. Her passion led her to voice acting, and her role in Iwájú made her known worldwide.
Iwájú, which premiered on February 28, 2024, is set in future Lagos, Nigeria. The series explores social class, inequality, and family. It follows Tola, a rich girl, and her best friend Kole, a tech expert from a poor area. Together, they uncover secrets and build a strong friendship.
Simisola is nominated for “Outstanding Younger Voice Performer in a Preschool, Children’s, or Young Teen Program” at the 3rd Annual Children’s & Family Emmy Awards, happening on March 15, 2025, in Los Angeles. Iwájú also got two more nominations: “Outstanding Children’s or Young Teen Animated Series” and “Outstanding Directing for an Animated Series.” This makes Iwájú the first Nigerian TV show to get recognized at these awards.
Simisola shared, “Being nominated for this Emmy is truly an honor. I’m so grateful to be recognized alongside such incredible talent. This moment is a dream (that I didn’t know I had) come true.”
The success of Iwájú and Simisola’s nomination highlight the rise of Nigerian storytelling. The series is a project by Disney and Nigerian animation studio Kugali Media, co-founded by Olufikayo Ziki Adeola, Tolu Olowofoyeku, and Hamid Ibrahim. Their work brings African culture to a global audience.
With the Emmy Awards coming soon, Simisola Gbadamosi’s nomination inspires young talents worldwide. It proves that diverse voices matter in entertainment.
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