Nigeria's Iwájú” Scores 3 Emmy Nominations, Including Simisola Gbadamosi for Younger Voice Performer

Disney and Kugali’s groundbreaking animated series, Iwaju, has made history by earning three nominations at the Children & Family Emmy Awards. The futuristic Nigerian tale, co-created by Ziki Nelson and brought to life in partnership with Disney Animation Studios, has become a trailblazer in showcasing African narratives on a global stage. Among its nods is the coveted Outstanding Children's or Young Teen Animated Series, marking a monumental moment for Nigerian storytelling in international television.

A Historic First for Nigeria

This marks the first time a Nigerian production has been nominated in the Children & Family Emmys, a testament to the global resonance of Iwaju. The series stands as a beacon of hope for African animators, showing that local stories can thrive in the world’s most prestigious arenas.

At the heart of the series is its lead character, Tola, voiced by Nigerian child actor Adetola Aderibigbe. Tola, a bright and ambitious teenager, dreams of a world where technology and tradition coexist. Adetola’s performance has been praised for capturing the authenticity and vibrancy of Nigerian youth, cementing her as a rising star in the global entertainment landscape.

Three Nominations, Endless Possibilities

In addition to its nomination for Outstanding Children's or Young Teen Animated Series, Iwaju has also been recognized in two other categories:

• Outstanding Voice Performance in a Preschool, Children’s or Young Teen Program – honoring the stellar cast that brought these characters to life.

• Outstanding Production Design for an Animated Program – celebrating the vivid and futuristic Lagos backdrop, a visual marvel that fuses Nigeria’s cultural heritage with an Afrofuturistic aesthetic.

A Nigerian Collaboration with Disney

Iwaju (which translates to "future" in Yoruba) explores themes of inequality, ambition, and friendship, all set against a reimagined Lagos skyline. The collaboration between Disney and Nigerian animation studio Kugali marked a significant shift in how African stories are produced and presented on a global scale. It also serves as a model for partnerships that prioritize authenticity while leveraging top-tier resources.

For Ziki Nelson, co-creator of Iwaju, the Emmy nods are more than accolades—they’re validation. In a statement, Nelson shared: "This is a win for every African animator, writer, and storyteller. It’s proof that our stories are not just relevant—they’re essential. Iwaju was created to inspire children across the world, especially African children, to see themselves as part of the future.”

BFW editors ran into the young star at Essence fest earlier in the year, and can attest to her graceful, quiet, star power and eloquence

What This Means for Nigerian Animation

The success of Iwaju signals a turning point for African animators. For years, the animation industry on the continent has struggled with limited resources and recognition. With Disney’s backing, Iwaju has opened the floodgates for African animation to be taken seriously in mainstream entertainment.

Industry experts are calling this a watershed moment, not just for Nigeria but for African animation as a whole. With platforms like Kugali paving the way, it’s only a matter of time before we see more animated content rooted in African cultures earning global acclaim.

Looking Ahead

The Children & Family Emmys will take place later this month, and all eyes will be on Iwaju to see if it clinches its well-deserved awards. Regardless of the outcome, the series has already carved its name in history, inspiring a new generation of Nigerian storytellers and animators to dream big.

As Iwaju brings its vibrant world and compelling characters to children across the globe, it stands as a reminder that the future of storytelling is African—and it’s just getting started.