Big news for Nigerian entertainment: Iwájú Emmy nominations have taken the industry by storm! The groundbreaking animated series has earned three nominations at the 2025 Children’s & Family Emmy Awards, making history as the first movie inspired by Nigerian culture to receive such recognition.
This is a huge win, not just for the creators of Iwájú, but for Nigerian cinema and African animation as a whole. If you haven’t heard about Iwájú yet, you’re in for a treat.
Photo Source: Disney Animations/Instagram.
Created by Disney Animation and the Pan-African studio Kugali Media, the series brings a futuristic Lagos to life through stunning animation and a compelling story.
It follows Tola, a bright young girl from the wealthy island, and Kole, a tech-savvy boy from the mainland, as they tour a city filled with invention, class divides, and unexpected adventures.
This achievement is more than just an award nod, it’s proof that the African entertainment industry is changing with time, embracing animation, and telling stories that resonate worldwide. And with these “Iwájú” Emmy nominations, the future of African animation looks brighter than ever.
Overview of “Iwájú” and its Nominations
Iwájú” is not just any cartoon; it is a vibrant, futuristic story that takes viewers on an adventure through Lagos, Nigeria. Created by Disney Animation and Kugali Media, this series introduces us to a world of flying cars, smart gadgets, and big dreams.
It follows Tola, a young girl from the wealthy part of Lagos, and Kole, a tech-savvy boy from the mainland. Together, they tour a world full of surprises, learning valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and hope.
The “Iwájú” Emmy nominations prove how much people love this show. It has been nominated in three major categories:
- Outstanding Children’s or Young Teen Animated Series: This means “Iwájú” is recognised as one of the best animated series for kids and teenagers.
- Outstanding Directing for an Animated Series: This nomination celebrates the creative team behind the scenes who made the show visually stunning and engaging.
- Outstanding Younger Voice Performer in a Preschool, Children’s, or Young Teen Program: Simisola Gbadamosi, who voices Tola, received this nomination, making her the youngest Nigerian to ever be nominated for this award.
These nominations are not just awards; they show that African stories can shine on the global stage. Seeing a Nigerian animated series compete with some of the biggest names in children’s entertainment is inspiring! The “Iwájú” Emmy nominations remind us that dreams can come true with creativity and hard work.
The Importance of the Children’s and Family Emmy Awards
Imagine your favourite cartoon or show getting a gold star for being the most fun, exciting, or inspiring; that’s what these awards do! They highlight shows that teach, entertain, and bring families together.
For a show like “Iwájú” to be nominated, it means the world is paying attention to African stories. Many big studios create animated shows, but not all of them get Emmy nominations. The fact that “Iwájú” received three nominations proves that African animation is reaching new heights.
It also encourages more African creators to tell their own stories. Many young Nigerian animators and storytellers dream of making it big, and seeing a show like “Iwájú” succeed tells them: “Your dreams are possible!”
These awards also help parents and kids find great shows to watch. When a show wins or gets nominated, more people want to see what makes it special. That means more families around the world will find and enjoy “Iwájú.”
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Background and Production of “Iwájú” Emmy Nominations
The creators wanted to show what Lagos could look like many years from now. They imagined flying cars, smart technology, and new inventions while still keeping the culture and traditions of Nigeria alive in the story.
“Iwájú” was created by Kugali Media, a company founded by three African storytellers: Olufikayo Adeola (Nigeria), Tolu Olowofoyeku (Nigeria), and Hamid Ibrahim (Uganda).
These three friends were passionate about telling African stories in a way that had never been done before. They wanted to create animations that African kids could see themselves in; characters that spoke like them, looked like them, and lived in places they recognised.
Production for “Iwájú” was groundbreaking in many ways. The creative team conducted extensive research, visiting Lagos to ensure the city’s essence was accurately represented.
The animation features real-life elements of Lagos, from its bustling markets to the infamous traffic jams, giving viewers a realistic experience. Even the music and dialogue stay true to Nigerian culture, incorporating Yoruba phrases and Afro-futuristic beats.
Since its release on February 28, 2024, “Iwájú” has received widespread praise for its storytelling and stunning visuals. The show’s success has raised the bar for African animation, proving that African stories belong on the world stage.
Iwájú Emmy Nominations: Animation’s Impact on Nollywood
For years, Nollywood has dominated African cinema, producing thousands of films annually. However, most of these films focus on traditional dramas, comedies, and action movies. “Iwájú” stands out because it takes a futuristic approach while staying true to Nigerian culture.
By incorporating the Yoruba language, local landmarks, and authentic Nigerian experiences. “Iwájú” provides a fresh perspective on African storytelling.
This approach makes it relatable to Nigerian audiences while also fascinating international viewers who may not be familiar with the culture.
The recognition of “Iwájú” at the Children’s & Family Emmy Awards sends a strong message to Nigerian content creators.
It proves that there is an international audience for animated stories rooted in African heritage. This success could inspire more Nigerian filmmakers and studios to invest in animation, leading to the growth of the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is “Iwájú” About?
“Iwájú” is a futuristic animated series set in Lagos, Nigeria. It tells the story of Tola, a rich girl from the island, and Kole, a smart tech boy from the mainland, as they move through a high-tech world that is still divided by social class.
2. How Many Emmy Nominations Did “Iwájú” Receive?
Iwájú secured three nominations at the 2025 Children’s & Family Emmy Awards.
3. When was Iwájú released?
The series premiered on 28th February 2024 on Disney+.
4. Where Can I Watch “Iwájú”?
“Iwájú” is available for streaming exclusively on Disney+.
Final Thought
The Iwájú Emmy nominations mark a major milestone for African animation, proving that Nigerian stories can shine on the global stage. This recognition not only celebrates the show’s success but also opens doors for more African storytellers to share their narratives worldwide.
For Nollywood, it’s a chance to embrace animation as a powerful medium, while young creatives can see that their stories matter. Whether “Iwájú” wins or not, these nominations have already made history, inspiring the future of African storytelling in global entertainment.