Simisola “Simi” Gbadamosi is an extraordinary 13‑year‑old Nigerian‑American voice actress born on April 17, 2011, in Washington D.C. She rose to international prominence for her role as Tola Martins in Disney+ and Kugali Media’s animated miniseries Iwájú, set in a visionary, futuristic Lagos. This dramatic sci‑fi series underscores social inequality, familial dynamics, and technological advancement—elements Simisola breathes to life through her performance.
Her journey began in Lagos, where she attended the Corona School in Ikoyi and served as head girl, actively participating in elocution and drama activities that sharpened her vocal expression. Discovered through auditions while still in Primary 5, she officially recorded the voice of Tola in Primary 6—an early leap into the world of professional voice acting. Her natural storytelling talent was evident from the stories she told even as a child.
Released on February 28, 2024, Iwájú quickly made waves. Simisola’s work earned her a nomination for “Outstanding Younger Voice Performer in a Preschool, Children’s, or Young Teen Program” at the 3rd Annual Children’s & Family Emmy Awards—the youngest Nigerian ever to receive such recognition. Iwájú itself garnered three nominations, including Outstanding Animated Series and Directing, marking a historic first for Nigerian TV at the awards.
Simisola’s Emmy nomination is not just a personal triumph—it embodies the blossoming of Afrocentric storytelling on a global scale. The series’ creative team, led by Nigerian director Olufikayo Ziki Adeola and composer Ré Olunuga, reflects a broader renaissance of African creators in the animation industry. Media outlets celebrated her breakthrough as a shining example of Nigerian and African youth potential, inspiring other young creatives to dream boldly.
Looking ahead, Simisola has expressed a heartfelt ambition to diversify her craft and take on even more roles—whether in voice acting, live‑action, or other creative domains. With an estimated net worth of around $100,000 attributed to her Nollywood engagements, she stands as a beacon for Nigeria’s burgeoning global entertainment presence.
As Iwájú paves the way for further investment in African animation, Simisola’s story exemplifies how heartfelt storytelling and authentic cultural representation resonate worldwide, and this is only the beginning.
