Mo Abudu, the visionary behind EbonyLife Media, recently made headlines as the only African on The Hollywood Reporter’s 2024 list of “Most Powerful Women in International TV.” Her inclusion among the 30 global leaders recognized for shaping the television industry is a testament to her influential role in transforming African storytelling and promoting diversity on the global stage. Known for her resilience, Abudu has consistently pushed boundaries, becoming a notable figure in media and film production.
Born in Hammersmith, West London, Abudu’s journey began with a solid educational foundation, earning a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Westminster. Her early career saw her in various HR roles in the UK, including serving as a recruitment consultant before returning to Nigeria in 1993. Here, she joined ExxonMobil as head of Human Resources and Training, marking her entry into Nigeria’s professional landscape. She went on to establish her HR consultancy, Vic Lawrence & Associates Limited, further establishing her as a business leader.
Abudu’s pioneering work in Nigerian media began with her talk show, Moments with Mo, which became the first syndicated daily talk show on African television. Launched in 2006, the show covered a wide range of topics, from lifestyle to politics, and featured prominent figures from across the globe. With Moments with Mo, Abudu’s goal was to shift perceptions of Africa by showcasing a diverse array of voices and stories from the continent. Her successful venture into television set the stage for what would become a much larger mission—to revolutionize African storytelling.
As the CEO of EbonyLife TV, a lifestyle and entertainment network available across multiple African countries, the UK, and the Caribbean, she envisioned elevating African content and introducing it to an international audience. The network has produced a wide array of original content, from dramas to reality shows, and has fostered collaborations with global media giants such as Sony Pictures Television and AMC Networks. In 2020, EbonyLife Media and Netflix formalized a significant partnership, with the latter acquiring a slate of EbonyLife content, including the series Castle & Castle and The Royal Hibiscus Hotel. EbonyLife is also creating two original series and numerous Netflix-branded films, which include adaptations of African literary works, thereby broadening its worldwide reach.
Beyond television, Abudu has also ventured into film production, with EbonyLife Films established in 2014. Her debut film, Fifty, garnered positive reviews and laid the groundwork for subsequent hits like The Wedding Party and Chief Daddy. The film Blood Sisters, a Netflix original, garnered global acclaim, reaching Netflix’s top ten list with over 11 million viewing hours. In 2022, Abudu’s Elesin Oba, The King’s Horseman premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, demonstrating her dedication to sharing authentic African narratives on an international stage.
Abudu’s work has not gone unnoticed, earning her numerous accolades. The Hollywood Reporter has recognized her, and Forbes’ list of the “World’s 100 Most Powerful Women” has featured her multiple times, reinforcing her position as a trailblazer in media. Institutions such as the Harvard Business School, which featured EbonyLife Media as a case study, have also acknowledged her.
In recent years, Abudu has been vocal about her commitment to eradicating tokenism and showcasing Africa’s rich cultural diversity. In her vision, African stories deserve a place in mainstream media not as an occasional feature but as a core component of global storytelling. Her passion for authentic representation has driven her collaborations with industry titans like Netflix, Sony, and Westbrook Studios, enabling her to bring African perspectives to a global audience.
Abudu’s contributions go beyond media content, as she makes significant strides in fostering local talent. The EbonyLife Creative Academy, for instance, offers aspiring filmmakers training and resources, underscoring her dedication to empowering the next generation of African storytellers. Additionally, she launched EbonyLife Place in Lagos, a luxury resort dedicated to entertainment and hospitality, which further cements her role in transforming Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Mo Abudu continues to champion the diversity and complexity of African narratives, her journey reflecting a persistent commitment to reshaping the global media landscape, bringing the vibrancy of African culture to screens worldwide. As she breaks new ground, Abudu stands as an influential force, embodying resilience and innovation in the ever-evolving world of international television.
