Welcome to Vol 126 of The Spread!
Hello and welcome back to The Spread; your weekly edit of all the best stories and global news about Africans shaping mainstream culture.
Now, on to the real peel 👇
FEATURE STORY
Simisola Gbadamosi Makes History as Youngest Nigerian Emmy Nominee
At just 13, Nigerian actress Simisola Gbadamosi is making waves! She’s officially the youngest Nigerian to earn an Emmy nomination, landing a spot in the Outstanding Younger Voice Performer category at the 3rd Annual Children’s and Family Emmy Awards. Her role as Tola Martins in Disney+’s Iwájú has put her on the global stage—and it’s a huge win for Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Iwájú, a six-episode animated series that premiered in February 2024, takes viewers into a futuristic Lagos, following Tola, a rich island girl, and Kole, a tech-savvy whiz, as they navigate themes of inequality and adventure. A collaboration between Disney Animation and Kugali Media, the show blends Nigerian culture with innovative storytelling.
Reacting to her nomination, Simisola shared, “Being nominated for this Emmy is truly an honor. I’m so grateful to be recognized alongside such incredible talent, whom I’ve actually watched, and to be part of a project that means so much. This moment is a dream (that I didn’t know I had) come true.”
With the awards set for March 15, 2025, in Los Angeles, all eyes are on this rising star. No matter the outcome, she’s already making history—and inspiring young African creatives to dream big!
🔥 Trending Stories
- Richard Mofe-Damijo set to Lead Nigerian Cast of ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ Film Adaptation, via OkayAfrica
- Dentsu Kenya launches school to train next generation influencers, via Citizen Digital
- Norman Maake to thrill with new film: Sebata: The Beast, at the Joburg Film festival, via GQ SA
- M.anifest Solidifies His Legacy as a Storyteller on ‘New Road and Guava Trees’, via OkayAfrica
- Eniola Bolaji Extends Unbeaten Streak with Spanish Para Badminton Gold, via Culture Custodian
- Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Tiwa Savage, Nissi Ogulu & Others Honoured at 2025 Forbes Women Africa Awards, via BellaNaija
- Christian Saint brings Ghanaian culture to life through a lens focused on African stories, via GQ SA
⏳ Trivia Time
What is the name of Nigeria's first ever feature-length animated film?
A) Lady Buckit and the Motley Mopsters
B) Bino and Fino: The Movie
C) Malika: Warrior Queen
D) Sade: The Secret Princess
Scroll to the very bottom for the answer.
ICYMI
🧭 Guide: Ṣẹwà on Music, Community, and Her Debut Album 'Soulful Agbero’
The very first of our iconic Women's Month features is singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and budding composer, Ṣẹ̀wà; whose genre-bending music is both a tribute to her Nigerian roots and a reflection of her global experiences. She’s sold out concerts in Nigeria and Toronto, recently opened for the renowned Asa, and is currently working on her debut album set to launch her on a Canadian tour in 2025.
In this interview, Ṣẹ̀wà opens up about her unique path, from learning guitar as a bucket-list wish to overcoming challenges and discovering the healing power of music. Join us as we delve into the mind of a rising star who’s on the brink of reshaping the soundscape of Afro-soul and beyond.
This month, at Marmalade Collective, we’re leaning into that legacy with our theme: Empowering Progress.
What We're...
📰 Reading: Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola
🎧 Listening to: Imimangaliso by Lia Butler.
📺 Watching: Afrobeats: The Backstory, a docu-series capturing the socio-cultural forces that shaped Afrobeats, celebrating its pioneers and the vibrant Lagos scene that birthed it.
🎟️ Booking: The All Nigerian Pub Quiz Presents: The International Women's Day Pub Quiz
👀 Eyeing: Adele Dejak's handcrafted Afro-Tsire Extra Bracelet, a statement piece capturing the essence of African warrior traditions.
🧡 Member Spotlight: Francetta Evans-Anfom, Music Journalist and Blogger
Meet Francetta Evans-Anfom, a music journalist and blogger spotlighting Afrobeats and Amapiano in the UK. When she’s not covering festivals or reviewing the latest hits, she’s ghostwriting for architects or indulging her love for Disney and Pixar films.
We See YOU!
At Marmalade, we believe in celebrating all the incredible voices that make our community thrive. Are you a creative shaking up the scene, an entrepreneur building something bold, or a culture enthusiast with a story or two to tell? We'd like to hear from you!
Share Your Story👏 That's a wrap!
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