Mo Abudu: Pioneering African Storytelling with EbonyLife on Plus
Mo Abudu, the visionary CEO of EbonyLife Media, is on a mission to break new ground for African storytellers and creators. Born in London and now a prominent figure in the media landscape, Abudu is set to launch EbonyLife on Plus, an innovative membership-based streaming service that will showcase a diverse array of pan-African series, films, talk shows, and lifestyle content.
Founded in 2012, EbonyLife began as an upscale television network and has since evolved into a powerhouse in feature film and series production, securing collaborations with major players like Sony Pictures Television and Netflix. The introduction of EbonyLife on Plus comes at a pivotal moment for Africa’s creative sector, which has faced challenges as global streaming giants reconsider their investments in the region. Reports indicate that Netflix has halted its Nigerian Originals, while Amazon Prime Video exited the African market last year.
“There’s an entire continent yearning for representation; their stories must be told,” Abudu emphasizes. She points out that many creators have turned to platforms like YouTube for exposure, which she believes shouldn’t be their only option.
In a recent interview with Variety, Abudu articulated her vision for EbonyLife on Plus, describing it as a natural progression of her two-decade commitment to providing platforms for African content both locally and in the diaspora. “I’ve dedicated years to building an ecosystem for our content distribution; now it’s time to elevate that effort,” she stated.
EbonyLife has already made waves in scripted content, achieving success with hits like the thriller miniseries “Blood Sisters,” which amassed over 11 million viewing hours in its debut week, and “Òlòtūré,” a gripping film addressing human trafficking. The company also made its mark on the festival circuit with “Death and the King’s Horseman,” a film adaptation of Wole Soyinka’s acclaimed anti-colonial play.
Abudu envisions EbonyLife on Plus not as yet another global streaming service, but as a community-centric platform that fosters connections through purpose and identity. “While I may not have the budgets of Netflix or Amazon, we’re committed to creatively curating the content we offer,” she explains. The platform will feature a rich mix of reality shows and lifestyle content aimed at young female audiences, including e-commerce initiatives that promote African fashion. “If you’re looking for the latest designer outfits from Nigeria, you’ll find them on our portal,” Abudu notes, emphasizing that the platform will focus on high-quality, curated content rather than self-publishing.
As a pioneer in the media industry, Abudu, well-known for her daytime talk show “Moments With Mo,” will also host monthly masterclasses exclusively for EbonyLife on Plus. Additionally, she plans to launch podcasts, including one adapted from “Moments With Mo,” and another titled “What Do Women Really Think?” To engage the younger audience, Abudu recognizes the need for more dynamic content beyond traditional dramas, hence the collaboration with YouTube creators to produce original in-house content.
The initial offerings of EbonyLife on Plus will feature the existing library of content alongside a collection of Nollywood classics and films from Sony Pictures showcasing prominent Black talent. Upcoming highlights include “Hallelujah,” a family drama set in a vibrant Lagos church, and an untitled film starring Omoni Oboli, portraying a media star whose seemingly perfect life begins to unravel. The platform will also celebrate African culture with lifestyle specials, such as high-energy masterclasses in Afro dance led by Nigeria’s dance icon, Kaffy.
EbonyLife on Plus is set to softly launch in September with an affordable subscription model—$10/year in Nigeria and $30/year internationally. Abudu is actively seeking investors and collaborating with financial advisors in Nigeria to secure funding for this venture. Despite the challenges faced by other streamers, Abudu remains optimistic about the global appetite for African stories, citing the success of the co-production “Baby Farm,” which broke into Netflix’s Top 10 charts in several key markets, including the U.K., U.S., and Australia.
Looking ahead, Abudu is excited about the future of African cinema, particularly with Canal+ Group’s recent acquisition of South African pay-TV giant MultiChoice, signaling a growing interest in the continent. “By 2050, one in five people globally will be African—this is the future,” she asserts.
In addition to launching the streaming service, EbonyLife is also establishing a cinema dedicated to African films in Wandsworth, South London. Abudu recently welcomed London Mayor Sadiq Khan during his visit to Nigeria, who expressed enthusiasm about the groundbreaking initiative.
Furthermore, EbonyLife is forging partnerships with a diverse array of international collaborators, including projects with Idris Elba, Starz, Lionsgate, and IFC. As Mo Abudu continues to push the boundaries of African storytelling, EbonyLife on Plus promises to be a transformative platform that amplifies the voices and narratives of a vibrant continent.
