Nigerian filmmaker and media entrepreneur Mo Abudu has reacted to the planned shutdown of Showmax, saying the development should prompt local creatives to build distribution platforms that truly serve the Nigerian market.
Canal+ Group, the French media company that recently acquired MultiChoice, announced on Thursday that Showmax would be discontinued after what it described as a comprehensive board review aimed at improving its wider digital strategy.
Responding in an Instagram post, Abudu said the decision should serve as a reminder that African creatives must take responsibility for building sustainable platforms for their own content rather than waiting for outside rescue.
“No one is coming to save us. It is time for us to build our own I know many of you have heard the news about platforms like Showmax closing and have seen other streamers reduce their investment across the continent,” she wrote.
“Let me say this with complete sincerity. No one is coming to save us. It is up to us to build sustainable business models that truly work for our market. It is still very early days for the new indigenous Nigerian streaming platforms that have launched recently.
“At EbonyLifeONPlus, we are committed to doing everything we can to grow and strengthen our platform. We understand that it is a long journey and we are prepared for the work and patience it requires.”
She said the task of building a strong local streaming platform would take time, patience and steady effort, adding that EbonyLife ON Plus remains focused on that goal.
Abudu also said Africa has the stories, culture and creative strength to compete globally, provided the industry studies successful models and develops systems suited to its own realities.
“We are a continent rich in culture, tradition, and powerful stories. We must learn from global success stories, adapt what works, and create our own pathways because that is exactly what others have done,” she added.
She further described the moment as a chance for African creators and investors to work together in building platforms that can serve local audiences while also reaching global markets.
“I truly believe we are capable of this. The future is in our hands. Let us build it with confidence, collaboration, and belief. Personally, I see this as an opportunity rather than a challenge Local for Local, Local for Global.”
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