The Disney+ animated series Iwájú, co-created by Nigerian animation company Kugali Media and Disney, has received three Emmy nominations for the third Children’s and Family Emmy Awards.
The series’ principal voice actress, Simisola Gbadamosi, received a nomination for Younger Voice Performer in a Preschool, Children’s, or Young Teen Program. OkayAfrica reports that the series also scored nominations for Children’s or Young Teen Animated Series and Directing for an Animated Series for “Kole,” the third episode.
Disney Animation lauded their achievements on Instagram with the caption, “Congratulations to the cast and crew of #Iwaju on their three Children’s and Family Emmy® nominations including Children’s or Young Teen Animated Series; Younger Voice Performer in a Preschool, Children’s or Young Teen Program; and Directing for an Animated Series. #Emmys.”
Hamid Ibrahim, the co-founder of African entertainment company Kugali Media, commented, “Officially can say I am a creator of an Emmy nominated show. I am Humbled.”
Ibrahim co-founded Kugali Media after graduating from the University of Hertfordshire in 2017, studying 3D animation and visual effects. The Ugandan-born worked on feature films such as the remake of The Lion King before co-founding a company to tell stories about African culture.
“I wanted to give something back for the rest of the world and the first idea that came to mind was to tell African stories,” he said of Iwájú following the series’ release in February 2024. “I want to show the world what Africa can do and Iwájú is going to do that,” he told BBC.
As the first original African animated series from Walt Disney Animation Studios since its founding in 1923, these nominations are historic not only for a Pan-African animation company but also for a story that is inspired by Nigeria and has numerous Nigerian actors in major roles.
The 2024 animated drama series depicts the lives of Tola and Kole, who meet in a futuristic Lagos despite their vastly different backgrounds. Gbadamosi plays Tola, who lives on the luxurious Lagos Island, while Siji Soetan plays Kole, a self-taught tech specialist. Together, they set out on an exciting voyage of self-discovery and secrets.
The series’ casting director, Lala Akindoju, said she was thrilled about the nomination, stating, “It’s such a beautiful thing to see a production you worked on get this kind of global recognition. I am particularly proud of star girl Simisola, and I am so honored to have cast her in this role!!”
She reiterated her dedication to “telling our stories and showcasing our talent to a global audience, one production at a time.”
The Children’s & Family Emmy Awards honor the most innovative and ground-breaking achievements in the children’s entertainment industry, celebrating the most outstanding of them.
Last year’s best projects included shows like Zootopia, I Am Groot, and Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight.
The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 25, 2025 in Los Angeles.
