Nigerian filmmaker and media entrepreneur, Mosunmola Abudu, popularly known as Mo Abudu, has been named among TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World for 2025.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, and Abudu confirmed the news in a post on her official Instagram page, thanking supporters and industry colleagues.
In a tribute published on TIME’s website, British actor and director Idris Elba described Abudu as a woman with drive, grit, and unmatched energy.
Elba, who is currently working with Abudu on a film titled Dust to Dreams, said the EbonyLife founder wastes no time when it comes to building or creating.
“Anyone who has worked on anything relating to African film knows her. She gets things done,” Elba wrote. “Mo cares deeply about how Africa is seen on screen.”
Elba added that Abudu’s impact goes beyond movies, noting her work across studios, cinemas, TV, and her film academy. “Her success is proof that big dreams backed with action can change the story,” he said.
TIME also recognised Abudu’s $50 million Afro Film Fund, launched last year, aimed at supporting African filmmakers and strengthening the continent’s storytelling power globally.
Abudu, in her reaction, said being named on the list was a moment of pride for Nigeria and the entire African creative industry.
“Hello, beautiful people. The 2025 #TIME100 list is out — and I’m deeply honoured to be included among the 100 Most Influential People in the world. Thank you, @TIME, for this incredible recognition.
“But this moment isn’t just about me — it’s a celebration of African creativity, Nigerian passion and purpose, and the power of storytelling to shape culture, shift narratives, and drive real impact. That’s the work we do at EbonyLife Media every single day.
“It’s also about building capacity for the future — through the EbonyLife Creative Academy, where we train the next generation of filmmakers, and EbonyLife Place, where creativity meets community through hospitality, entertainment, and culture,” she wrote
Over the years, she has built the EbonyLife brand into one of the biggest entertainment platforms in Africa, with content on Netflix, Sony Pictures, and BBC.
