“Madu”, the Disney Original Documentary co-directed by Nigerian filmmaker Joel Kachi Benson and American director Matt Ogens, took home the Emmy Award for Outstanding Arts and Culture Documentary at the 46th Annual News and Documentary Emmy Awards held in New York City.
At the heart of “Madu” is the soul-stirring journey of Anthony Madu, a young boy from Lagos whose raw passion for ballet first caught the world’s attention in a 44-second video of him dancing barefoot in the rain. That video—unfiltered, graceful, and deeply human—garnered over 16 million views and sparked a global conversation about talent, opportunity, and the magic of belief.
The documentary follows Anthony’s life beyond that viral moment—from the rough pavements of Nigeria’s streets to the prestigious Elmhurst Ballet School in the United Kingdom, where he earned a scholarship to pursue his dream. “Madu”is not just a film about dance; it is a film about hope, grit, and the boundless potential hidden in overlooked places.
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The film, which premiered worldwide on Disney+ in March 2024, also earned a nomination for Outstanding Direction – Documentary, and was featured at major film festivals including the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and the iREP International Documentary Film Festival in Lagos.
Reacting to the Emmy win, Benson shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, writing:
“We won an Emmy!!! Times like this I look back and I’m grateful for the journey, the pain, and the progress. It wasn’t always easy but the Almighty remains the ultimate source of strength. 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. Thank you all. This win is for us…the ones who dare to keep dreaming even when the world is laughing.”
Madu was in tough competition with a powerful slate of nominees, including As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial, Butterfly in the Sky, Hollywood Black, and King Coal (POV). Yet, the film’s emotional resonance, cultural weight, and stunning storytelling set it apart.
This Emmy is more than a trophy—it is a validation of stories from the margins, a celebration of African excellence, and a reminder that even in the most unlikely places, greatness is dancing—just waiting for the world to see.
