The first African animated series by Disney, created in partnership with Kugali Studios, is nominated for Best Children’s or Young Teen Animated Series.
Disney and Kugali Studios’ “Iwájú” Secures Emmy Nod
BY Henry-Damian Justice
December 13, 2024
11:59 am
The Disney+ series “Iwájú”, produced in collaboration with Kugali Studios, has been nominated for the ‘Best Children’s or Young Teen Animated Series” at the third annual Children’s and Family Emmy Awards.
On December 12, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) unveiled the nominations, placing “Iwájú” alongside shows such as “Curses,” “Hilda,” “Kiff,” “Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur,” and “Summer Camp Island.”
Disney celebrated the milestone on social media, writing: “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.”
The series, which debuted on Disney+ on February 28, 2024, is a six-episode coming-of-age story set in a futuristic Lagos.
Written by Olufikayo Adeola and Halima Hudson, it explores themes of class, friendship, and self-discovery, marking Disney’s first African animated project and a significant stride in showcasing African storytelling on a global scale.
Despite its success, the series remains inaccessible to audiences in Nigeria due to the unavailability of Disney+ in the region.
“Iwájú” is part of Disney+’s impressive showing at the 2024 Children’s and Family Emmys, where the platform secured 43 nominations, including a record 16 for “Percy Jackson and the Olympians.”
Click here for the full list of nominees.