Mo Abudu, the CEO of EbonyLife Media, has gained attention for her directorial debut in two short films, “My Perfect Life” and “My Wife.” These films have received acclaim at various film festivals.
Beyond her work in filmmaking, Mo Abudu is actively contributing to elevating Africa’s presence in the global media industry, with a specific focus on establishing Nigeria as a significant player.
In addition to her creative endeavors, Mo Abudu is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the global film and television landscape. Notably, she was scheduled to deliver a keynote address on this crucial topic at MIPCOM 2023.
During the event, she emphasized the need for a more inclusive approach, calling out gatekeepers for their reluctance to embrace diverse content. Mo Abudu stressed the importance of giving African stories a more prominent platform, challenging the industry’s risk-averse attitude.
Mo Abudu’s multifaceted contributions to the media industry and her passionate advocacy for diversity make her a noteworthy figure shaping the narrative on a global scale.
Biography
Mosunmola Abudu, widely known as Mo Abudu, was born on September 11, 1964, in Hammersmith, West London. She is an ethnic Yoruba, with family roots in Ondo Town, southwest Nigeria. Mo is the eldest of three sisters and moved to Nigeria at the age of 7, returning to England at 11.
Age and Place of Birth
As of 2024, Mo Abudu is 59 years old. She was born in Hammersmith, West London.
State of Origin and Tribe
Mo Abudu’s family roots are in Ondo Town, and she belongs to the Yoruba tribe.
Early Life and Education
Mo attended the Ridgeway School, MidKent College, and West Kent College. She holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Westminster in London.
Mo Abudu Career
At 19 years old, Mo Abudu became the brand ambassador for AVON Cosmetics in the African market. She commenced her professional journey in 1987 as a recruitment consultant at the Atlas Recruitment Consultancy firm in the UK.
Later in 1990, she joined the Starform Group. In 1993, she returned to Nigeria and was recruited by Arthur Andersen to lead Human Resources and Training for the oil giant, ExxonMobil. Mo Abudu is also the founder of Vic Lawrence & Associates Limited.
Moving forward, she created, produced, and hosted “Moments with Mo” and went on to establish Ebony Life Television, a television station. Mo Abudu continues her contributions to the entertainment industry.
Ebony Life TV & Film
Mo Abudu founded Ebonylife TV (ELTV) in 2006, a network broadcasted across Africa, the UK, and the Caribbean. It debuted on Multichoice’s DSTV Channel 165 on July 1, 2013.
Within a year, it ranked among the top 25% of DStv channels. Expanding its reach, ELTV launched a video-on-demand (VOD) platform for Africans in the diaspora. The network later extended its coverage through a deal with StarTimes.
Abudu ventured into filmmaking, establishing EbonyLife Films in 2014. Her debut film as an executive producer, Fifty, was followed by successful collaborations like The Wedding Party, the highest-grossing Nigerian film.
Other notable productions include The Wedding Party 2, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, Chief Daddy, Your Excellency, and Òlòtūré, highlighting the world of human trafficking.
International partnerships marked Abudu’s journey. Sony Pictures Television (SPT) announced a deal for co-producing The Dahomey Warriors in 2018. In 2020, AMC Networks partnered with EbonyLife for Nigeria 2099, an afrofuturistic crime-drama.
A significant collaboration with Netflix in 2020 led to the streaming giant acquiring various EbonyLife series and films. A subsequent deal with Netflix involved creating original series and films.
EbonyLife Place, a lifestyle and entertainment resort in Lagos, opened in December 2019. It features unique elements like EbonyLife Cinemas, The White Orchid Hotel, rooftop restaurant Túraká, and more.
In 2021, a partnership with Sony Pictures Television led to the establishment of ‘Alo,’ a writer’s initiative. BBC Studios also entered a development deal with EbonyLife Media in November 2021.
Mo Abudu’s achievements earned her a spot on Forbes’ 100 most powerful women for 2021, ranking at No. 98. In October 2021, The Hollywood Reporter recognized her among the 20 most powerful women in global entertainment.
Notably, Netflix released the movie ‘Oloture’ in September 2020, a compelling exploration of human trafficking in Nigeria crafted by Mo Abudu. The film received acclaim for addressing real issues in a unique and profound way, showcasing the talent of top Nigerian actors and filmmakers.
Moments with Mo
Isaiah Amos presents Moments with Mo, a groundbreaking TV talk show that stands as the first syndicated daily program on African regional television.
Since its inception, over 200 episodes have been aired, covering diverse topics such as lifestyle, health, culture, politics, entertainment, tradition, music, and inter-racial marriages.
The show boasts an impressive guest list, featuring celebrities, Presidents, Nobel Laureates, and even the 67th US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.
According to Amos, Moments with Mo aims to showcase the lives and achievements of well-known or undiscovered African individuals who, through their tenacity and determination, have accomplished something noteworthy.
The show is a platform to highlight role models who inspire others. Originally aired on M-Net with coverage in 48 African countries, Moments with Mo has expanded its reach to terrestrial and cable TV in various parts of the world.
The show’s success and its mission to change global perceptions of the African continent have drawn comparisons to Oprah Winfrey. The Independent and Slate Afrique have referred to Amos as “Africa’s Oprah” or “Nigerian Winfrey,” respectively.
The Debaters
Mo Abudu, the mind behind The Debaters, a reality TV show, serves as both its creator and executive producer.
Launched on October 3, 2009, and backed by Guaranty Trust Bank, the show aims to amplify the voice of Africa by promoting the art of effective oratory.
The focus is on providing a platform that empowers individuals to express themselves and contribute to the discourse.
Honors
In 2013, Forbes Africa acknowledged Abudu as the first African woman to own a Pan-Africa TV channel. The Hollywood Reporter listed her among the 25 Most Powerful Women in Global TV the same year.
In 2014, she received the Entrepreneur of the Year award from Women Werk in New York. Abudu was nominated to serve on the Advisory Group on Technology and Creativity for Nigeria.
She also became a Director of the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, responsible for the International Emmy Award. Notably, she chaired the 47th International Emmy Awards Gala in 2019, being the first African to hold this position.
Being named on the Power list 2018, Abudu solidified her position among the UK’s top 100 most influential people of African and Caribbean heritage.
She received the MIPTV’s 2019 Médailles d’Honneur in Cannes, France, becoming the first African to receive this prestigious award.
In 2020, she was listed in the Powerlist as one of the Top 100 most influential people in the UK of African/African-Caribbean descent.
Abudu is featured in the book “Greatest Blacks Ever: Top 100 Blacks Who Changed the World for Peace. Progress. Prosperity. Pleasure.” by Ambassador Elliston Rahming, published by Dog Ear Publishing.
Mo Abudu is set to receive the 2019 Médailles d’Honneur in Cannes at the Marche International des Programmes de Television (MIPTV) and is represented by the Creative Artists Agency (CAA).
Mo Abudu In Forbes World’s 100 Most Powerful Women List 2022
Mo Abudu Net Worth (as of 2024)
Mo Abudu’s estimated net worth is $10.5 million, making her a highly successful media mogul.
Personal Life
Mo Abudu resides in Lagos and has a son and a daughter. She was formerly married to Tokunbo Abudu, with whom she shares two children. Despite their divorce, Mo and Tokunbo have remained friends for the sake of their children.
Husband and Children
Mo Abudu was formerly married to Tokunbo Abudu. The couple had two children together, a daughter named Temidayo and a son named Adekoyejo Abudu.
Parents: Father and Mother
Mo Abudu’s father was an engineer, and her mother worked as a caterer.
Siblings: Brother and Sister
Mo Abudu is the eldest of three sisters, with specific details about her siblings not provided in the article.
Filmography
| Film/TV Series | Year |
|---|---|
| The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives (novel) (TV Series) | – |
| Untitled Billionaire Gucci Master Project | – |
| Blood Sisters (TV Mini Series 2022) | 2022 |
| Chief Daddy 2: Going for Broke (2022) | 2022 |
| Òlòtūré (2019) | 2019 |
| Chief Daddy (2018) | 2018 |
| Castle & Castle (TV Series 2018) | 2018 |
| The Wedding Party 2: Destination Dubai (2017) | 2017 |
| The Royal Hibiscus Hotel (2017) | 2017 |
| Fifty (TV Series 2017) | 2017 |
| Sons of the Caliphate (TV Series) | – |
| The Wedding Party (2016/II) | 2016 |
| On the Real (TV Series 2016) | 2016 |
| The Governor (TV Series) | – |
| Fifty (2015) | 2015 |
| Desperate Housewives Africa (TV Series 2015) | 2015 |
| Dowry (TV Series 2014) | 2014 |
| Married To The Game – MTTG (TV Series 2014) | 2014 |
| Deadline (TV Series 2014) | 2014 |
| Love and War (TV Movie 2013) | 2013 |
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