Tag: Mo Abudu

Media mogul Mo Abudu, CEO of EbonyLife Media, has been appointed to the board of directors of the International Emmys. 

The esteemed organisation, with a rich history dating back to the early days of global television, recognizes and celebrates excellence in programming from around the world.

“It is an honour to contribute to the International Emmys’ mission of fostering international collaboration and showcasing the very best in television,” said Abudu. “In this role, I’m particularly interested in leveraging the platform to elevate Africa’s burgeoning creative economy. By advocating for increased representation of African productions and talent, I believe the International Emmys can play a crucial role in spotlighting Africa’s unique stories and propelling its creative industries onto the global stage.”

Mo Abudu is a powerhouse in the African media landscape. As CEO of EbonyLife Media, she oversees a diverse media production company including EbonyLife Films, EbonyLife Studios, the EbonyLife Creative Academy, and EbonyLife Place, Nigeria’s first luxury entertainment resort. Under her leadership, EbonyLife Media has produced some of the highest-grossing Nollywood blockbusters and secured production collaborations with international studios like Netflix, Sony, and the BBC.

Abudu is a relentless advocate for African storytelling.  She recently launched “Blood Sisters,” Netflix’s first Nigerian Original series, which garnered international acclaim. Additionally, her adaptation of Professor Wole Soyinka’s play “Elesin Oba, The King’s Horseman” premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival 2022.

A champion for inclusion, Abudu partnered with Idris Elba’s Green Door Pictures to empower talent from Africa and its diaspora. She is also a recent Executive Fellow of Harvard Business School and the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University.

Abudu’s dedication to the industry extends beyond production.  In February 2024, she made history as the guest programmer for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, curating the groundbreaking “Echoes of Africa” series – the first-ever showcase of African cinema at the institution.

Mo Abudu’s numerous achievements were recently recognized when she was named Forbes Africa’s Business Woman of the Year on International Women’s Day, March 8th, 2024.

Her appointment to the International Emmys board signifies a new chapter in her illustrious career and a powerful platform to elevate African storytelling on the global stage.

A Content Powerhouse with an Unrelenting Drive

Further solidifying her position as a content powerhouse, Abudu launched “Wrath and Revenge,” a gripping political drama series set in Northern Nigeria, on Netflix in December 2023. Her commitment to diverse storytelling continues with “Oloture: The Journey,” a new series that serves as a sequel to the original hit film, set to debut on Netflix soon.

Abudu recently wrapped production on “Baby Farm,” another Netflix drama series exploring the dark underbelly of a seemingly reputable NGO.  This captivating tale follows a young pregnant girl who unknowingly entrusts her unborn twins to the organization, only to discover a horrifying truth.

Looking ahead, Mo Abudu is poised to commence production on a co-written project with Idris Elba titled “Dust to Dreams.”  Elba will also be directing this project, with the iconic musician Seal taking on the lead role.  This collaboration promises to be a powerful and captivating addition to Abudu’s already impressive slate.

Mo Abudu’s relentless drive and dedication to African storytelling are a true inspiration. Her work is not only entertaining audiences worldwide, but also creating opportunities and propelling the African creative industry onto the global stage.

Renowned media mogul Mo Abudu has yet again solidified her place among the global elite, as Forbes announces her inclusion in the esteemed ‘World’s 100 Most Powerful’ list for 2023. Abudu, founder and CEO of EbonyLife Media, has earned this distinction for her outstanding contributions to the media industry, marking her as one of Nigeria’s leading women shaping the global narrative.

Standing tall as one of only two Nigerian women on this prestigious list, Abudu’s groundbreaking work in the media space has earned her widespread recognition. She has consistently challenged norms and pushed boundaries in the entertainment industry, notably creating and producing groundbreaking television shows and films that resonate both locally and internationally.

Under Abudu’s visionary leadership, EbonyLife Media has been at the forefront of producing high-quality content that captures diverse narratives and showcases African talent on a global stage. Her commitment to storytelling that celebrates African culture while addressing universal themes has garnered praise and admiration worldwide.

Joining Abudu from Nigeria on this illustrious list is Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership and advocacy for global trade reform have earned her global acclaim, further solidifying Nigeria’s presence among influential figures shaping global affairs.

Read Also: Mo Abudu named top international woman executive

Commenting on her inclusion in the Forbes list, Mo Abudu expressed her gratitude, stating, “I am deeply honored to be recognized among the world’s most powerful individuals. This acknowledgment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire team at EbonyLife Media, as well as a celebration of African storytelling and creativity and it’s such a joy to see my dear big sis, Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala also named on this list. She is most deserving”.

Additionally, the list features Mpumi Madisa, CEO of Bidvest, as the only other African among the honorees. Madisa’s exceptional leadership at Bidvest, a multinational conglomerate, has propelled the company’s growth and success in various industries across the African continent. Her strategic vision and management have positioned Bidvest as a key player in fostering economic development and driving innovation in Africa.

The simultaneous recognition of Abudu, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, and Madisa highlights the immense talent and leadership prowess of African individuals on the world stage. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring individuals, particularly women, across the globe.

Mo Abudu’s continuous trailblazing in the media landscape underscores her unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. As she continues to break barriers and redefine the narrative of African storytelling, her impact resonates not just in Nigeria but across continents, elevating the representation of African voices on a global scale.

The Forbes World’s 100 Most Powerful list is an annual compilation recognizing individuals who have made significant impacts on the global stage across various sectors, including business, politics, entertainment, and technology.

LAGOS, 23RD OCTOBER – The Hollywood Reporter, founded in 1930, a renowned American digital and print magazine dedicated to the entertainment industry, has honored Mo Abudu, the distinguished Nigerian media mogul, as the TOP INTERNATIONAL WOMAN EXECUTIVE IN ENTERTAINMENT. This prestigious recognition serves as a testament to her outstanding contributions to the global entertainment industry.

The Hollywood Reporter’s annual list celebrates the achievements of extraordinary women in the entertainment sector worldwide, and Mo Abudu takes her place at the top of this distinguished group. With a career marked by innovation, resilience, and unbridled creativity, Mo Abudu has made an indelible mark on the global stage. As the CEO of EbonyLife Media, she has been a driving force behind the success of numerous blockbusters such as “Fifty,” “The Wedding Party,” “Your Excellency,” and “Òlòtūré.” She has made her mark through various endeavors in the corporate world; she has been described by Forbes as “Africa’s Most Successful Woman”. Abudu oversees EbonyLife Media, comprising EbonyLife Films and EbonyLife Studios, as well as the EbonyLife Creative Academy, a school aimed at accelerating filmmaking skills, and EbonyLife Place, Nigeria’s first luxury entertainment resort. 

Mo Abudu’s remarkable journey extends to international partnerships with major studios like Sony, AMC Networks, Netflix, Starz, Lionsgate, BBC, Westbrook Studios, and Will Packer Productions. Her commitment to nurturing talent, fostering collaborations, and advocating for empowering policies has solidified her position as a transformative leader in the entertainment industry.

Upon receiving this honor, Mo Abudu expressed her heartfelt gratitude to The Hollywood Reporter, stating, “To be the first on a list of 35 remarkable women, representing diverse corners of our global industry, is both a privilege and a responsibility.” She emphasized her dedication to initiatives that showcase African creativity, provide funding opportunities, nurture local talent, foster international collaborations, and expand the horizons of the EbonyLife Creative Academy.

One of her significant accomplishments is the launch of “Blood Sisters,” Netflix’s first Original Nigerian series, which achieved global recognition and success. Furthermore, her collaboration with Idris Elba’s Green Door Pictures aims to uplift talent from Africa and its diaspora, creating a more inclusive and diverse media landscape.

Mo Abudu is the only Nigerian and African entertainment executive on The Hollywood Reporter’s list of 35 remarkable women, making this recognition all the more special.

Read Also: Mo Abudu makes directorial debut with Her Perfect Life, Iyawo Mi

This accolade not only acknowledges her past achievements but also serves as a call to action for a more diverse, inclusive, and inspiring future in the entertainment industry. Mo Abudu, in partnership with others, aspires to continue shaping the industry and preserving our rich cultural heritage.

Mo Abudu’s extraordinary journey continues, with her recent appointment as the Creatives Champion for the upcoming UK-African Investment Summit by the UK Government, cementing her role as a global leader in the world of entertainment.

After a decade of building the EbonyLife brand, Mo Abudu recently ventured into embracing a very personal passion as a creative and not just a CEO and Studio Executive.  In her belief that it’s time to give expression to some very personal stories, she launched Mo Abudu Films, writing and directing her first two short films, which have done extremely well on the international film festival circuit to include official selection at 3 Oscar qualifying film festivals!