Dtimes Focus: ‘Mo Abudu’ The Media Queen Redefining African Entertainment

For our DTimes Focus this week, we’re spotlighting one of the biggest trailblazers in African entertainment, Mo Abudu. From the corporate world to media mogul, she has built an empire that’s shaping how the world sees African stories.

Personal Life & Career

Born Mosunmola Abudu on September 11, 1964, in Hammersmith, London, Mo’s life has been a blend of cultures. At seven, she was whisked off to Nigeria to live with her grandparents in Ondo, which grounded her in Yoruba traditions. She returned to the UK as a teenager, earning degrees from Ridgeway School, MidKent College, and a Master’s in Human Resource Management from the University of Westminster.

Beyond her media empire, Mo is also a mother. She has two children, Temidayo and Adekoyejo Abudu, who are both forging their own paths in creative fields. Despite her demanding career, she has always emphasized the importance of family, balance, and instilling strong values in her children.

She kicked off her career in recruitment before moving to ExxonMobil in Nigeria as the head of HR. But the boardroom wasn’t enough. Mo had bigger dreams, ones that involved cameras, studios, and rewriting the African narrative.

Cue 2006, when she launched Moments with Mo, Africa’s answer to The Oprah Winfrey Show. It wasn’t just another talk show, it was the talk show, airing in 48 African countries and putting Mo in the media spotlight. She tackled everything from lifestyle, sports, to politics, proving that African stories deserved their place on the global stage.

Founding EbonyLife Media & Global Recognition

In 2013, Mo launched EbonyLife TV, the first African-owned entertainment network to reach audiences in Africa, the UK, and the Caribbean. Then came EbonyLife Films, which blessed Nollywood with box-office hits like The Wedding Party (Nigeria’s highest-grossing film at the time), Fifty, and Chief Daddy.

Her empire didn’t stop there. EbonyLife Studios secured partnerships with Netflix, Sony, BBC, and AMC Networks, giving African stories a prime seat on the world stage.

Forbes, The Hollywood Reporter, and Variety all agree, Mo Abudu is a powerhouse. She’s been listed among the “World’s 100 Most Powerful Women” and the “25 Most Powerful Women in Global TV.” In 2024, Forbes crowned her Businesswoman of the Year.

Mo Abudu’s journey from a human resources consultant to an entertainment mogul exemplifies her dedication to transforming African narratives. Through EbonyLife Media, she continues to champion authentic African stories, empowering a new generation of creatives and ensuring that the continent’s voice resonates on the global stage.

Her story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating how vision, resilience, and a commitment to cultural authenticity can redefine industries and challenge global perceptions.