At 13, She’s Breaking Records! 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Simisola Gbadamosi, the Voice of Tola in Iwájú and Nigeria’s Youngest Emmy Nominee – A Conversation with Black Film Wire
- Sahndra Fon Dufe
- 24 hours ago
- 12 min read
Updated: 8 hours ago
Some stars are made, and some are simply born for it. Simisola Gbadamosi fits both descriptions—gracing the screen with talent beyond her years while staying refreshingly humble. At just 13 years old, Simi is making waves as one of Nigeria’s brightest young talents. She stars as the voice of Tola in Iwájú, Disney+’s groundbreaking animated series created by the pan-African British-based Kugali Media in collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios. Set in a futuristic Lagos, the miniseries Iwájú explores themes of class, innovation, and self-discovery through the eyes of Tola, a young girl navigating a world of contrasts.
"An unashamedly optimistic look at the country’s future and a celebration of the diaspora’s talents."
Simisola’s captivating performance has not only won over audiences but also earned her the incredible honor of being the youngest Nigerian ever nominated for a Children’s & Family Emmy Award, in the category of Outstanding Younger Voice Performer in a Preschool, Children’s, or Young Teen Program (for her role as Tola) at the 3rd Annual Children's & Family Emmy Awards were held on March 15, 2025, in Los Angeles. With an Emmy nomination under her belt, a growing fanbase, and a bright future ahead, she’s proving that young talent in Africa is thriving.
As Iwájú sparks conversations on African storytelling and representation, 13-year-old Simisola Gbadamosi is making history—proving that talent, hard work, and passion have no age limit. From voicing Tola to becoming the youngest Nigerian Emmy nominee, her journey is nothing short of inspiring. Our editors sat down with her for an exclusive interview with Black Film Wire, where she opened up about her journey into voice acting, the magic behind Iwájú, and what keeps her grounded. As the film sparks conversations on African storytelling and representation, we uncover 10 things you (probably) didn’t know about Simi—straight from her own words.
10 Things You Didn’t Know About Simi
1. Her Life Could Be a Movie—Literally (and It’d Have the Perfect Title)
We caught up with Simi right after she wrapped up her subject exams in Biology, Global Perspectives and Religious Education—yes, in between studying! Ride on, girl! If her life were a movie, the title would practically write itself. She’s got two contenders: Brain Box and Stranger Wave (How to Wave at Strangers). The first? A well-earned nod to her straight-A record (she literally aced her last history exam—100%, no big deal). The second? A family inside joke because, at home, she waves at everyone like she’s greeting royal guests, but around strangers? Total shy mode. And let’s talk about those smarts—her love for history? Straight from her dad. Her English obsession? Still dad. Her mom prefers full-on numbers and tech whiz. Basically, she was destined to be a Brain Box from birth, and honestly? We love to see it!
"The other day, I realized how much I love history and English—and my mom does not," Simi laughs. "So I asked my dad what he liked in secondary school. At first, he couldn’t remember, then he said, ‘Maybe social studies?’ And I was like, ‘Aha! So it’s you!’ My mom, on the other hand, loves math. It’s cool seeing how different parts of me come from them in unique ways."
- Simisola, Gbadamosi, interview with The Black Film Wire
Oh, and did we mention? This would-be movie would 100% have a theme song by Tems—because Simi is absolutely obsessed. Anything from her, really. And honestly? Same.
2.She’s a Certified Bookworm—And Her Current Read Is an All-Time Fave!
When Simi isn’t in the studio bringing characters to life, there’s a good chance she’s lost in the pages of a book. Our editors first met her at Essence Fest in 2024 and quickly clocked that she’s a serious reader. Like, reads-a-lot kind of serious. Of course, she’s come across fellow Nigerian Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone (which, by the way, is making global headlines and heading to the big screen soon). But what’s currently sitting on her nightstand? Let’s just say it involves a girl with a bow, a dystopian world, and a whole lot of rebellion. Yep—she’s deep into The Hunger Games! May the odds be ever in her favor!
"I’ve always loved The Hunger Games movies, but I never got around to reading the books. So now, I’m finally diving in! I started with the newest one, Sunrise on the Reaping, then went back to read the first book, and now I’m on the second one. It’s been really exciting experiencing the story in a whole new way!
- Simisola, Gbadamosi, interview with The Black Film Wire
And honestly, we’re not even surprised. When we asked Simi what kind of animated character she’d love to voice next, her answer gave us total Katniss Everdeen vibes.
"I really love dystopian books, so I feel like the genre has to be dystopian," she says. Picture this: a fearless heroine, leading a group of rebels to victory—kind of like Merida from Brave but in a futuristic world. And honestly? We love it. Because, hello… Yefon energy!
3. She Had No Clue She Was Auditioning for Disney
Now, let’s talk Iwájú! Simi’s Disney journey didn’t come with the usual starry-eyed anticipation—because she had zero idea what she was even auditioning for! It all started in July 2021 when her mom got a call about an audition and asked her if she was interested. After agreeing, they recorded the audition and sent it in. A few months later, in the summer- they received a call- Simi had booked the role! And by the way, it was for Disney! And just like that—boom! Can you imagine? On one hand, whew, at least there was no pressure. On the other, wow, talk about delivering excellence without even knowing how big the stakes were! But hey, isn’t that what they say? Success happens when preparation meets opportunity. And Simi? She nailed both.
"I just went in and did my best," she recalls (on the moment when…). "It wasn’t until later that I realized it was for Disney, and I was like—WHAT?! I was like, “Wait, what?!” I’ve always loved Disney, but I never imagined I’d actually be a Disney ‘princess’. That made it even more exciting!"
- Simisola, Gbadamosi, interview with The Black Film Wire
That explains this picture! She’s like- You tried to get me, but I gotchu! That’s right, Nigeria’s youngest Emmy nominee! Over Two hundred and fifty million people, and YOU stand out, young lady!
4. She Found Out About Her Emmy Nomination in the Most Casual Way
Most people hear about career-defining moments like Emmy nominations while on a red carpet or in the middle of some very important business. But for Simi? She was casually enjoying jollof rice and chicken with her family in Lagos when she found out she had just made history as the youngest Nigerian ever to be nominated for an Emmy.
Yep, one minute she’s reaching for a spoonful of rice, the next—boom! Emmy nominee. Just another regular night at the Gbadamosi household.
"My sister and I had just gotten back from getting our hair done, and my dad randomly had his camera on—which, in my house, could mean something really good... or a prank! … I was already nervous, and then my mom told me the news! At first, I just stared at her, completely frozen. My sister was like, ‘Wait, what?!’ And then it hit me—I started screaming, running up and down the house. It was wild! Having my whole family there made it even more special."
- Simisola, Gbadamosi, interview with The Black Film Wire
Image: Gbadamosi Family | Emmy-nominated Simi’s reaction to her dad’s announcement of her Emmy
SWIPE TO SEE THE MEME-LIKE REACTIONS-
5. Simi’s Favorite Futuristic Invention from Iwájú Is One Every Black Woman Needs
Iwájú’s futuristic Lagos is packed with high-tech marvels—flying hawkers, smart glasses, garden robots, and even Tola’s quirky pet agama lizard, Otin (voiced by Weruche Opia). But when we asked Simi what futuristic gadget she’d love to try, her answer was painfully relatable. One Mashable user described it as "like Cher's wardrobe software from Clueless or a smart mirror or brush—but even better!" Simi named it the “hair-do-thingamabob!”
"If I could pick one thing, it would definitely be the smart bonnet!" she says, laughing. "It’s this machine that just does your hair for you—like, you sit down, press a button, and boom! Hair is laid, no stress. No eight hours at the salon, no detangling for hours. Just vibes!"
- Simisola, Gbadamosi, interview with The Black Film Wire
And if she had a day to explore Iwájú’s Lagos? "I’d go straight to the floating markets! They looked so cool in the film, and I’d love to experience them in real life."
6. The Creative Process Behind Iwájú: More Takes Than You’d Think
Voice acting might seem like a breeze—just step into a booth, say your lines, and boom, you’re done, right? Not quite. For Simi, the process of bringing Tola to life was a mix of fun, surprise, and a lot of repetition. The funniest part? Definitely the sound effects, Simi shared—laughing, gasping, making scared noises. They had to sound completely natural, which was harder than she expected. Luckily, she had some unconventional help.
"My mom—who is right here, by the way—would stand outside the booth making silly faces to get me to laugh. And sometimes my dad would join in too! They even used a microphone to remind me of funny things while I was recording. It definitely made things more fun!"
- Simisola, Gbadamosi, interview with The Black Film Wire
But it wasn’t all giggles. One of her biggest challenges came in the final episode, during an emotional monologue with Tola’s dad, (voiced by Dayo Okeniyi) after Tola has been kidnapped.
"That scene was tough because I had to stall while still saying ‘my dad’ at the same time. With voice acting, you can’t use your face to show emotions like in live-action—you have to do it all with your voice- So yeah, voice acting is harder than it looks."
- Simisola, Gbadamosi, interview with The Black Film Wire
And if you think she nailed it in one take, think again. Simi recorded all her lines alone—she didn’t even meet her Iwájú co-stars until the premiere. For one scene, she had to run through her lines at least three times. If they needed more? She’d do them again… and again… and again.
7. Her Biggest Mentors & Family Keep Simi Grounded
Sure, Simi looks up to Hollywood greats and even admires former FLOTUS Michelle Obama for her grace (I mean, who doesn’t?), but when it comes to real, day-to-day guidance, she turns to her inner circle. At the top of that list? A key mentor she fondly calls Padi—a close godsister who has been a major influence in her life.
"My parents and family are my mentors. They give me really good advice and keep me grounded. My mom is so hands-on," Simi shares. "And my whole family supports me. That’s really important because this industry can be tough…. Just last week I spent one hour on a call with Padi…she gives me great advice too."
- Simisola, Gbadamosi, interview with The Black Film Wire
Beyond that, Simi’s entire family is her anchor. She’s growing up in a super supportive environment, surrounded by people who keep her grounded, which—let’s be honest—is the secret sauce for child stars who actually stay sane. Think Zendaya, Marsai Martin, and (insert your fave here). Simi’s got that same rock-solid foundation, and we love to see it!
8. Despite the Rising Fame, She’s Still Just a Regular Kid—Chores and All
Sure, Simi is making history, but that doesn’t mean she gets a free pass on everyday life. Our editors got the inside scoop, and guess what? Beyond all the red carpets and recording sessions, sis still has to do homework and take out the trash. “Girl, thank God for your parents!” we told her. Because, let’s be real—learning adulting skills early? That’s a life hack. Fame is cool and all, but knowing how to clean up after yourself? That’s elite.
" I wake up around 6 a.m., shower, get dressed, breakfast before heading to school for about six and a half hours. When I get home, it’s straight to homework first. After that, I like to unwind—sometimes by reading a book or hanging out with my little sister. In the evening, I have dinner, take another shower, and usually end with some more reading before bed.”
- Simisola, Gbadamosi, interview with The Black Film Wire
"I love spending time with my friends and family, cooking, swimming… just doing regular things," she says. "Fame is cool, but I don’t want to lose who I am."
- Simisola, Gbadamosi, interview with The Black Film Wire
9. She’s Already Inspiring Others to Keep Going—Even Through Rejection
Many dream of becoming actors, but few get an early break—especially in Nigeria. Simi believes emotional intelligence is key to great acting and knows firsthand that success takes time. She’s faced setbacks but has learned to push through, encouraging young creatives to surround themselves with supportive people. And if a little girl asked her for advice?
"Talk to your parents and ask them to help you join a talent agency!
That’s a great way to start because agencies help you get noticed..
Don’t give up because people will reject you, unfortunately…
but it’s not the end of the world if you get rejected. Keep going!"
- Simisola, Gbadamosi, interview with The Black Film Wire
10. She’s Dreaming BIG—Balancing Two Careers
Simi is just getting started, and she’s thinking long-term. While she’s already making waves in voice acting, she’s also setting her sights on the future. Just last month, she attended Film One’s Snow White premiere in Nigeria—alongside her besties from school, because, yes, she’s still a regular kid despite all the success! Thanks to her family’s support, she’s staying grounded while dreaming big. She looks up to Hollywood legends like Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Octavia Spencer, Keke Palmer, Marsai Martin, and Halle Bailey—women who make acting look effortless. But now that she’s in the industry, she knows the truth: It’s not easy. And yet, she’s here, pushing forward, inspiring the next generation of young girls who are ready to chase their dreams too.
"I love voice acting, but I also want to do design," she reveals. " I’m not entirely sure which kind of design yet. So, yeah, I see myself doing design, acting in the future! I want to balance both and see where it takes me!"
- Simisola, Gbadamosi, interview with BFW
BONUS! Last but not the least!- She’s a Talented Watercolor Painter
As if voice acting wasn’t enough, Simi’s artistic streak runs even deeper—she paints too! When she’s not in the booth or hitting the books, you might find her building Legos (because, duh, it’s therapeutic), cooking up something delicious with her little sister, or getting creative with markers and paint.
“I love watercolor painting," she shares. "It’s just something I do for fun, but people say my art is really cool!"
- Simisola, Gbadamosi, interview with BFW
THE LAST WORD
Simi knows she’s living in a history-making era, and she’s right in the middle of it. Iwájú isn’t just another animated film—it’s a groundbreaking moment for Nigeria, Africa, and Black representation in media. “Being part of something this big is so special to me because it’s the first of its kind, and I get to be a part of it—that’s really exciting,” she shares. “Having my name in the history books makes me feel proud because it’s a big milestone, not just for me, but for everyone.” And honestly? We love that for her.
But Simi is more than just a rising star—she’s a multi-talented, book-loving, art-creating powerhouse with big dreams and an even bigger heart. Whether it’s acting, designing, or painting, one thing is clear: she’s just getting started. And if Iwájú ever gets a sequel (which, let’s be real, needs to happen), she already knows what superpower she’d want her character to have: teleportation. “That way, she could get anywhere instantly.” Meanwhile, her character (Tola) would personally go for mind reading—because, in her words, “Being able to read people’s minds would help me a lot! Imagine knowing exactly when someone’s lying or just understanding their thoughts without them saying a word. It’d be super useful!”
Oh, and for anyone looking to contact her? There’s an email address in her Instagram bio. But fair warning—it’s monitored by her mom. Proceed accordingly.
WATCH SIMISOLA’S FULL INTERVIEW UP ON THE BLACK FILM WIRE’S YOUTUBE PAGE
Where to Watch Iwájú
Since its release, Iwájú has sparked a mix of critical and audience reactions, with many calling it a coming-of-age masterpiece. It’s rocking a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars, with viewers raving about its stunning animation, stellar voice acting, and captivating story. Over on Reddit, fans are deep in discussion, praising its authentic Nigerian representation and rich narrative.
And the stats? Iwájú ranked as the #1,838 most popular show online and secured the #69 spot on Disney+ (as of March 30, 2025, according to Television Stats). Not too shabby for a debut! Bottom line? Iwájú is more than just another animated series—it’s a major win for African storytelling on a global stage.
📍 Where to Watch: Streaming now on Disney+ in the United States, Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and more.
🎶 Soundtrack Alert: For the full Iwájú experience, vibe out to the official soundtrack on Amazon Music or Spotify.
Don’t miss this groundbreaking fusion of African futurism and Disney magic!
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