Nigerian animated series ‘Iwaju’ has been considered in three nominations at the 2024 Children’s and Family Emmy Awards. The movie is a production of Disney+ animated series and is co-created by Nigerian animation studio Kugali Media.
Lead voice actor of the series – Simisola Gbadamosi was nominated under the Younger Voice Performer in a Preschool, Children’s or Young Teen Program. The series is also up for Young Teen Animated Series and Directing for an Animated Series for ‘Kole’ the third episode.
The nominations in which Iwaju series is considered are monumental. The series is not just an usual one created by a Pan-African animation company but is a special story inspired by Nigeria and features a majority of Nigerian cast in pivotal roles.
Title of the series, Iwaju is a word from Yoruba language that means ‘the future’ when translated and its literal meaning is ‘front-facing’.
Iwaju follows the journey of Tola and Kole, whose lives intersect in a futuristic Lagos despite the stark differences in their backgrounds. Tola is portrayed by Gbadamosi who lives on the affluent Lagos Island while Kole is portrayed by Siji Soetan who is self-taught tech expert. Tola and Kole together, embark on a thrilling journey of secrets and self-discovery.
In a four-starred review in The Guardian writer Leila Latif noted that Iwaju illuminates parts of Nigerian identity that are rarely celebrated on a global stage. The review further describes the animation series as ‘an unashamedly optimistic look at the country’s future and a celebration of the talents of the diaspora.’
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Reportedly, the Children’s & Family Emmy Awards celebrates the best of children’s entertainment by recognising the most inventive and ground-breaking work in that field. Series alike Zootopia, I am Groot and Jack Black asPo in Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight were some of the projects that won last year. The awards ceremony is scheduled for March 25, 2025 in Los Angeles.
Casting Director of Iwaju – Lala Akindoju expressed her excitement at the nomination and said that it is such a beautiful thing to see a production you worked on and get this kind of global recognition.
He expressed, “I am particularly proud of star girl Simisola and I am so honored to cast her in this role! She reaffirmed her commitment to contribute her part in telling stories and showcasing the talent to global audience one production at a time.
Nigerian actors Femi Branch and Bisola Aiyeola were also casted alongside Gbadamosi and Soetan, as voice actors in the Emmy nominated series.
Children’s and Family Emmy Awards are a part of the extensive range of Emmy Awards for artistic and technical merit for the American television industry. The awards are Bestowed by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS).
The Children’s and Family Emmys are presented in recognition of excellence in American children’s and family-oriented television programming. The first-ever ceremony took place on Dec 10 & 11, 2022 at Wilshire Ebell Theatre, Los Angeles.
Iwaju is one of those creations. It is an animated science fiction mini-series produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and the Pan-African British-based entertainment company Kugali Maedia for the Disney+ streaming service.
The animated mini-series is written by Olufikayo Adeola and Halima Hudson from a story by Adeola, Hamid Ibrahim and Toluwalakin Olowofoyeku and directed by Adeola. It is the first original long-form animated series produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios.