Mosunmola Abudu, better known as Mo Abudu, is a remarkable Nigerian media mogul, entrepreneur, and philanthropist whose impact on the African entertainment industry has been nothing short of revolutionary. SONIA OKERE writes
As the founder and CEO of EbonyLife Media, Mo Abudu has redefined the way Africa is represented in global media. Her journey from a young woman with a dream to one of Africa’s most influential business leaders is truly inspiring.
Early life
Mo was born on September 11, 1964, in the United Kingdom. At the age of seven, she moved back to Nigeria, where she stayed with her grandparents for a few years before returning to England. The untimely death of her father when she was just 11 left a lasting impact on her, sparking a deep sense of resilience and determination.
Raised by her mother who Mo credits as her pillar of strength and inspiration, she was instilled with the drive to succeed against all odds.
Mo’s educational journey took her through several institutions, including Ridgeway School, MidKent College, and West Kent College. She later earned a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Westminster in London. Her unique upbringing in both Nigeria and the UK gave her a broader worldview, which would go on to shape her approach to media and storytelling, particularly in how Africa is portrayed to the world.
Career journey
Mo’s professional journey began in 1987 when she joined The Atlas Recruitment Consultancy Firm in the UK. After moving back to Nigeria in 1993, she took a position at ExxonMobil, where she identified a significant gap in the Nigerian market for skilled professionals. This realization led her to found Vic Lawrence & Associates (VLA), a leading HR firm in Nigeria.
But Mo’s ambitions didn’t stop there. With an unwavering drive to push boundaries, she ventured into edutainment, launching Inspire Africa. One of the network’s most celebrated projects was Moments with Mo, Africa’s first syndicated talk show, which set the stage for her next big move. Mo’s passion for African storytelling led her to establish EbonyLife TV, which debuted on July 1, 2013 on DSTV’s Channel 165. Within a year, the network became one of the most-watched channels due to the quality of the content it offered.
Building on this success, EbonyLife TV expanded its reach with a premium, multi-screen video-on-demand (VOD) platform, offering Africans in the diaspora access to quality entertainment. Shows like Fifty, Castle & Castle, and Sons of the Caliphate made EbonyLife TV a leading channel for original African content. In addition to her success in TV, Mo also forged global partnerships with major brands like Netflix, AMC Networks, and Sony Pictures.
Mo Abudu, through her company EbonyLife Films, has produced and co-directed several films, including, The Wedding Party (2016), Chief Daddy (2018), Òlòtūré (2020), and Your Excellency (2019).
These films, ranging from romantic comedies to hard-hitting dramas, have not only been major commercial successes but have also helped elevate Nigerian cinema on the global stage.
In 2021, she launched the EbonyLife Creative Academy in partnership with the Lagos State Government. The academy offers free, practical filmmaking courses for aspiring African filmmakers, empowering the next generation of storytellers. This initiative reflects her dedication to ensuring that Africa’s voice in global media continues to grow and evolve.
Achievements and recognition
Mo Abudu’s groundbreaking work has garnered significant recognition. With an estimated net worth of $650 million, she was named one of Africa’s Most Successful Women by Forbes. She was also listed on The Hollywood Reporter’s list of ‘Most Powerful Women in Global Television.’
In 2021, Mo made history as the first Sub-Saharan African woman to join the Oscars’ Producers category, a remarkable achievement that reflects her influence in Hollywood. Furthermore, Harvard Business School featured EbonyLife Media in an MBA case study, recognizing the company’s innovative business strategies.
Additionally, Mo has been honored with several honorary degrees, including an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (honoris causa) from Babcock University in 2014; and an honorary Doctor of Arts degree from the University of Westminster in 2018 for her contributions to the broadcasting industry.
Overcoming challenges
Mo Abudu once shared that she has encountered both racism and gender bias. According to her, some people told her that her ambition was too much for her own good. However, she has always believed in her own potential.
She says she views challenges not as setbacks but as opportunities for growth and self-reliance. She has expressed that she thrives in the face of obstacles, as they push her to think more creatively and develop bigger, bolder solutions.
In a post on Instagram, she shared her perspective: “I am a big dreamer and a goal getter. My journey has led me to this conclusion because God has such an incredibly adventurous spirit around the way He gives you an idea. As you begin to think about an idea and implement it, the challenges and obstacles come.
“However, if you keep going, circumstances begin to unfold in your favor, and people begin to show up to help you along your journey. That’s when you realize that it wasn’t just about achieving your goal, but more about who you’ve become by overcoming all the obstacles.”
Mo Abudu also acknowledges that overt discrimination still exists in many fields, and some societal norms often make it difficult for women to break free and redefine themselves.
However, she encourages women to persevere, reminding them that their dreams are just as valid as anyone else’s.
In conclusion, Mo Abudu’s journey is a proof of the power of resilience, vision, and unwavering belief in one’s dreams. She continues to inspire not only through her business ventures but also through her commitment to uplifting others.
