History was made on June 28, 2025, as Nigerian filmmaker Joel Kachi Benson clinched an Emmy Award for his powerful documentary Madu, becoming the first Nigerian ever to win in the News & Documentary Emmy Awards.
His win in the Outstanding Arts and Culture Documentary category marked a monumental moment for Nollywood and African storytelling at large.
“This is not just a win for me—it’s a win for every African child with a dream,” Benson said moments after the ceremony in New York City.
The Boy Who Danced Through the Storm
Madu tells the real-life story of Anthony Madu, a then-11-year-old Lagos ballet dancer whose barefoot pirouettes in the rain captivated millions. The 44-second viral clip became a symbol of passion unshackled by poverty, eventually earning Anthony a full scholarship to Elmhurst Ballet School in the UK.
Benson’s lens turned that clip into a full narrative—a story of beauty, hope, and grit in the face of doubt and dismissal.
A Cross-Continental Collaboration
Directed by Benson and Oscar-nominated Matt Ogens, Madu premiered on Disney+ in March 2024. Its reception was instant and global—screened at top-tier festivals and nominated in two Emmy categories. It wasn’t just a film—it was a movement: redefining what African documentary filmmaking could look like on a global stage.
More Than a Filmmaker: A Trailblazer
Benson is no stranger to breaking boundaries. He introduced Nigeria to VR storytelling with In Bakassi in 2018, and his 2019 virtual reality film Daughters of Chibok won the Venice Lion—making him the first African to claim the prestigious prize.
Now, through his JB Multimedia Studios in Lagos, he mentors a new wave of visual storytellers committed to change.
What the Emmy Means
Legitimacy on the World Stage: Benson’s Emmy is a nod to Nigeria’s rising documentary scene.
Inspiration for Future Filmmakers: His path proves that deeply local stories can spark global empathy.
Africa, Reframed: Benson’s work challenges how Africa is portrayed—shifting from pity to power.
What Comes Next
With Madu’s success cemented, Benson is already back at work. His sequel to Daughters of Chibok, titled Mothers of Chibok, is making waves at international festivals. He and Ogens are also in talks to co-produce a new slate of Africa-focused human-interest documentaries.
“There are thousands of ‘Madus’ across the continent,” Benson says. “Our job is to find them—and tell their stories right.”
Final Frame: A Legacy in Motion
Joel Kachi Benson’s Emmy win doesn’t just put a trophy on a shelf—it opens a door for generations. In a world often dominated by Western narratives, Madu proves that stories from the streets of Lagos can speak to the soul of the world.
For every young dreamer dancing through the rain, Benson’s lens reminds us: you don’t need a spotlight to shine—you just need someone to believe in your light.
