Nigerian producer and media mogul Mo Abudu has brought to life a 'mad dream' with the opening of EbonyLife Place London, a cultural hub near the Houses of Parliament featuring a cinema showcasing African film and black art. The venue, which opened to the public this weekend, is the first of its kind in Britain and Europe, housing a cinema named 'Amani'—meaning peace and harmony in Swahili. Abudu, 62, founder of EbonyLife, a leading Nollywood production company, emphasized the need for African stories to be told on their own terms, stating, 'It’s time to tell our own stories.' The two-storey complex includes a bar, restaurant, boutique, and a lounge called 'Fẹhinti,' a Yoruba term for 'to lean back and rest,' alongside artworks from African artists. The project, funded by her media group, mirrors her 2019 Lagos lifestyle complex and reflects her vision to create 'safe spaces' for African creativity. Abudu, ranked among Forbes' 100 most influential women in 2025, highlighted the lack of representation she experienced growing up in London, where she could not access black films. 'I’m not waiting anymore for anyone to take a six-hour trip from London to understand what it is to watch a Nigerian film,' she said. The center’s cinema will screen films from across Africa, including works by Senegalese director Ousmane Sembene and Algerian filmmaker Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina, the only African Palme d’Or winner. Abudu also confirmed plans to feature her own productions and films starring black actors, such as the next 'Black Panther' installment. The venue will operate via a membership scheme, open to all, with no ethnic or nationality restrictions, though details remain undisclosed. The cultural center aims to challenge global underrepresentation of African narratives while fostering cross-cultural dialogue. Abudu stressed that African creatives must 'take responsibility for creating our own spaces,' rather than seeking permission from others. The opening week will spotlight Nigerian filmmakers Nwani Orire and Ifeyinwa Arinze, with plans to expand to Paris through partnerships. 'We will have films from all parts of Africa. Everything should be on the table,' she said, underscoring the center’s mission to celebrate 'black actors, black storytelling.' The initiative aligns with broader efforts to elevate African cinema, which has gained international acclaim but remains underrepresented in Western markets. Abudu’s venture underscores the growing influence of African media and the demand for platforms that prioritize diverse storytelling. By situating the center in London, a global cultural capital, she seeks to bridge gaps in access and perception. The project’s emphasis on inclusivity and representation resonates with audiences seeking authentic narratives. As the cinema’s programming finalizes, the center stands as a testament to Abudu’s legacy in shaping Nollywood’s global footprint and her commitment to amplifying African voices on the world stage.
Mo Abudu, 62, founder of EbonyLife, a leading Nollywood production company, has opened EbonyLife Place London, a cultural hub near the Houses of Parliament featuring a cinema dedicated to African film and black culture. The venue, the first of its kind in Britain and Europe, includes a cinema named 'Amani'—meaning peace and harmony in Swahili—and spaces for art, fashion, and music. Abudu, ranked among Forbes' 100 most influential women in 2025, emphasized the need for African stories to be told on their own terms, stating, 'It’s time to tell our own stories.' The center, funded by her media group, mirrors her 2019 Lagos lifestyle complex and reflects her vision to create 'safe spaces' for African creativity. The cinema will screen films from across Africa, including works by Senegalese director Ousmane Sembene and Algerian filmmaker Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina, the only African Palme d’Or winner. Abudu also confirmed plans to feature her own productions and films starring black actors, such as the next 'Black Panther' installment. The venue will operate via a membership scheme, open to all, with no ethnic or nationality restrictions, though details remain undisclosed.
Mo Abudu, 62, founder of EbonyLife, a leading Nollywood production company, has opened EbonyLife Place London, a cultural hub near the Houses of Parliament featuring a cinema dedicated to African film and black culture. The venue, the first of its kind in Britain and Europe, includes a cinema named 'Amani'—meaning peace and harmony in Swahili—and spaces for art, fashion, and music. Abudu, ranked among Forbes' 100 most influential women in 2025, emphasized the need for African stories to be told on their own terms, stating, 'It’s time to tell our own stories.' The center, funded by her media group, mirrors her 2019 Lagos lifestyle complex and reflects her vision to create 'safe spaces' for African creativity. The cinema will screen films from across Africa, including works by Senegalese director Ousmane Sembene and Algerian filmmaker Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina, the only African Palme d’Or winner. Abudu also confirmed plans to feature her own productions and films starring black actors, such as the next 'Black Panther' installment. The venue will operate via a membership scheme, open to all, with no ethnic or nationality restrictions, though details remain undisclosed.
Mo Abudu, 62, founder of EbonyLife, a leading Nollywood production company, has opened EbonyLife Place London, a cultural hub near the Houses of Parliament featuring a cinema dedicated to African film and black culture. The venue, the first of its kind in Britain and Europe, includes a cinema named 'Amani'—meaning peace and harmony in Swahili—and spaces for art, fashion, and music. Abudu, ranked among Forbes' 100 most influential women in 2025, emphasized the need for African stories to be told on their own terms, stating, 'It’s time to tell our own stories.' The center, funded by her media group, mirrors her 2019 Lagos lifestyle complex and reflects her vision to create 'safe spaces' for African creativity. The cinema will screen films from across Africa, including works by Senegalese director Ousmane Sembene and Algerian filmmaker Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina, the only African Palme d’Or winner. Abudu also confirmed plans to feature her own productions and films starring black actors, such as the next 'Black Panther' installment. The venue will operate via a membership scheme, open to all, with no ethnic or nationality restrictions, though details remain undisclosed.
Mo Abudu, 62, founder of EbonyLife, a leading Nollywood production company, has opened EbonyLife Place London, a cultural hub near the Houses of Parliament featuring a cinema dedicated to African film and black culture. The venue, the first of its kind in Britain and Europe, includes a cinema named 'Amani'—meaning peace and harmony in Swahili—and spaces for art, fashion, and music. Abudu, ranked among Forbes' 100 most influential women in 2025, emphasized the need for African stories to be told on their own terms, stating, 'It’s time to tell our own stories.' The center, funded by her media group, mirrors her 2019 Lagos lifestyle complex and reflects her vision to create 'safe spaces' for African creativity. The cinema will screen films from across Africa, including works by Senegalese director Ousmane Sembene and Algerian filmmaker Mohammed Lakhdar-Hamina, the only African Palme d’Or winner. Abudu also confirmed plans to feature her own productions and films starring black actors, such as the next 'Black Panther' installment. The venue will operate via a membership scheme, open to all, with no ethnic or nationality restrictions, though details remain undisclosed.