- 02 Dec, 2025
- 0 Comments
- 4 Mins Read
Mo Abudu: The Powerhouse Redefining African Storytelling
Introduction: Who Is Mo Abudu?
Mosunmola “Mo” Abudu is one of the most influential figures in African media today—celebrated globally as a producer, broadcaster, entrepreneur, and visionary storyteller. Often called “Africa’s Oprah”, she is the founder and CEO of the EbonyLife Group, a multimedia powerhouse responsible for some of the most successful Nigerian films and TV series ever produced.
Her mission is clear: to change the way the world sees Africa—one premium story at a time.
From talk shows to blockbuster films, from Netflix partnerships to international deals with Sony and BBC, Mo Abudu has carved a place for African narratives on the global stage.
Early Life and Background: London, Ondo & the Corporate World
Mo Abudu was born on 11 September 1964 in Hammersmith, London, to Yoruba parents from Ondo State, Nigeria. Her childhood was split between England and Nigeria, including formative years in Ondo town, where she developed a deep appreciation for culture, community, and storytelling.
She later moved back to the UK for her education, attending:
-
MidKent College
-
West Kent College
-
University of Westminster
Before becoming a global media icon, Mo built a thriving career in human resources and management consulting. She worked in the UK before joining ExxonMobil in Nigeria, where she headed HR, leadership training, and organizational development.
Her corporate achievements include:
-
Founding Vic Lawrence & Associates, one of Nigeria’s early HR consulting firms.
-
Developing Protea Hotel Oakwood Park, a training hub and hospitality centre in Lagos.
This strong business foundation would later shape EbonyLife into a globally respected creative company—not just a production house.
Entering Media: “Moments With Mo” and the Dawn of a Vision
Mo Abudu’s transition into media began with a single thought:
African stories were not being told by Africans—and not at the quality or scale they deserved.
To fill this gap, she launched “Moments with Mo” in the mid-2000s, Africa’s first syndicated daily talk show.
The Impact of Moments With Mo
-
Aired in 49 African countries and the UK
-
Featured hundreds of episodes
-
Hosted presidents, celebrities, business leaders, and global icons
The show established Mo as a pan-African voice and set the foundation for her next major leap—building an entire entertainment network.
Building EbonyLife: Africa’s First Global Entertainment Powerhouse
EbonyLife TV (2013)
In 2013, Mo launched EbonyLife TV, Africa’s first global black entertainment and lifestyle network. Initially airing on DStv Channel 165, the network became known for its high-quality African programming, aspirational shows, and bold visual storytelling.
Over the years, EbonyLife evolved into a multi-platform media group with subsidiaries including:
-
EbonyLife Media
-
EbonyLife Films
-
EbonyLife Studios
-
EbonyLife Creative Academy
-
EbonyLife Place—a luxury entertainment destination with cinemas, restaurants, and event spaces
Mo Abudu didn’t just create a TV channel—she built an entire ecosystem.
Filmography: Mo Abudu’s Biggest Movies and TV Projects
Mo Abudu has served as producer, executive producer, creator, or director on some of Nollywood’s most iconic titles.
Major Feature Films
Fifty (2015)
A compelling story about four women navigating life at 50. Premiered at the BFI London Film Festival.
The Wedding Party (2016)
A cultural phenomenon and one of Nigeria’s highest-grossing films.
The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai (2017)
Broke more box office records.
Other major hits:
-
The Royal Hibiscus Hotel (2017)
-
Chief Daddy (2018)
-
Your Excellency (2019)
-
Òlòtūré (2019 / Netflix Original)
-
Chief Daddy 2 (2022)
-
Elesin Oba: The King’s Horseman (2022)
-
Her Perfect Life (2023)
-
Iyawo Mi (2023)
High-End TV Series and Miniseries
-
Desperate Housewives Africa (2015)
-
Sons of the Caliphate (2016–)
-
The Governor (2016)
-
On The Real (2016)
-
Fifty: The Series (2017)
-
Castle & Castle (2018– / Netflix)
-
Blood Sisters (2022 / Netflix) – EbonyLife’s first Nigerian Netflix Original series
Upcoming Projects
Mo continues to expand into global markets with titles such as:
-
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives (Netflix)
-
Nigeria 2099 (AMC Networks)
-
Hushpuppi-inspired Hollywood project with Will Packer
Global Deals and Partnerships: Taking Nollywood Worldwide
Mo Abudu made history by becoming the first African filmmaker to sign a multi-title deal with Netflix.
She also secured high-profile partnerships with:
-
Sony Pictures Television
-
BBC Studios
-
AMC Networks
-
Westbrook Studios (Will Smith & Jada Pinkett Smith)
These deals positioned EbonyLife as the gateway for African content entering global markets.
Digital Footprint & Streaming Success
EbonyLife’s productions consistently dominate viewing charts on Netflix across Africa and international markets. Mo also invests heavily in digital platforms, online content, streaming, and film education through the EbonyLife Creative Academy.
On social media, she commands millions of followers—using Instagram, Facebook, and X to promote projects, highlight African creators, and inspire women worldwide.
Recognition & Awards: A True African Icon
Mo Abudu’s work has earned her recognition from global institutions:
-
Forbes → “Africa’s Most Successful Woman”
-
The Hollywood Reporter → Among the “Most Powerful Women in Global Entertainment”
-
First African to Chair the International Emmy Awards Gala (2019)
She continues to speak at Harvard, Oxford, creative conferences, leadership summits, and global events.
Mo Abudu’s Influence: Transforming African Storytelling
Mo Abudu represents a unique blend of creativity, business acumen, and global ambition. Her work shows that:
-
African stories deserve premium production.
-
Nollywood can compete with Hollywood.
-
African creators deserve global platforms.
-
Media has the power to shift cultural perceptions.
From HR expert to international media mogul, her journey is a blueprint for visionary leadership.
Conclusion: A Legacy Still in Motion
Mo Abudu is not just producing films—she is shaping the future of African representation. Through EbonyLife, she has built bridges between Lagos and Hollywood, empowered new waves of filmmakers, and ensured that African narratives reach millions worldwide.
Her story is a reminder that when passion meets strategy, the world pays attention.
Mo Abudu is—and will remain—a powerhouse redefining African storytelling.