Joel Kachi Benson Emmy win for *Madu* highlights the power of Nigerian stories and the global impact of authentic youth narratives

Nigerian filmmaker Joel Kachi Benson has achieved a remarkable milestone after winning the 2025 Emmy Award for Outstanding Arts and Culture Documentary.

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The Joel Kachi Benson Emmy win was announced at the 46th Annual News and Documentary Emmy Awards, held in New York City, where his Disney Original film Madu earned global acclaim.

The documentary, Madu, co-directed by Benson and American filmmaker Matt Ogens, tells the emotional story of Anthony Madu, a young ballet dancer from Lagos.

The boy rose to fame after a short clip of him dancing barefoot in the rain went viral, racking up more than 16 million views across social media platforms.

The video brought international attention to his talent, eventually leading to a scholarship at the Elmhurst Ballet School in the United Kingdom.

Since its release on Disney+ in March 2024, Madu has been celebrated for its emotional depth and storytelling finesse.

The film captures Anthony’s transition from the rough streets of Lagos to elite ballet stages abroad, showing how dreams can evolve with exposure, discipline, and support.

The Joel Kachi Benson Emmy win is a moment of pride for Nigeria and for the broader African documentary scene.

“Madu is not just Anthony’s story. It’s the story of so many gifted children who go unnoticed,” said Benson, shortly after receiving the award.

His reaction was filled with gratitude and reflection as he posted on Instagram to thank his supporters and team.

“We won an Emmy!!! Times like this I look back and I’m grateful for the journey, the pain, and the progress,” Benson wrote.

“It wasn’t always easy but the Almighty remains the ultimate source of strength.”

The documentary also received a nomination for Outstanding Direction – Documentary and was screened at international festivals including Santa Barbara and Lagos’ own iREP International Documentary Film Festival.

The Joel Kachi Benson Emmy recognition confirms the film’s powerful resonance on a global stage.

Benson dedicated the win to Nigeria and to “every child with a dream,” underlining his commitment to telling authentic and inspiring African stories.

He credited mentors, critics, and dreamers alike for shaping his journey and enabling his success.

“It takes a village to raise a child… so I thank EVERYONE who’s been on this journey with me — those who taught me to dream, those who laughed at my dreams, and those who told me to keep dreaming,” he said.

The Joel Kachi Benson Emmy triumph places him among elite documentary filmmakers and spotlights the importance of investing in local storytelling talent.

His work continues to inspire creatives across the continent, proving that stories rooted in local realities can resonate across global borders.

Madu faced stiff competition in the Outstanding Arts and Culture Documentary category. Other nominees included As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial, *Butterfly in the Sky, Hollywood Black, and King Coal (POV).

The Joel Kachi Benson Emmy success in such a prestigious lineup underlines the strength of the film’s narrative and production.

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As fans and fellow artists celebrate this milestone, Benson’s win encourages a new generation of Nigerian storytellers to share their truths with confidence and clarity.