Mo Abudu: Crafting African stories for the world

From small beginnings to being a media mogul, Mo Abudu has shattered every glass ceiling in her path. At 60, she remains a driving force in shaping African narratives. In this exclusive interview with CHIDIRIM NDECHE, the CEO of the EbonyLife Group shares the pivotal moments of her journey, the power of resilience, and her steadfast commitment to telling African stories to the world.

When Mo Abudu embarked on her journey into the media world, she wasn’t just chasing success—she was rewriting the narrative of Africa on a global stage. Born Mosunmola Abudu, she was raised in the United Kingdom, but her heart and passion have always been deeply rooted in Africa.

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This connection to her heritage sparked her mission to tell African stories authentically.

“I realised that the stories of Africa and its people were not being told the way they deserved,” Mo reflects. “That realisation set me on a path to create a platform that would not only entertain but also educate and empower.”

It was at this moment that she embraced the power of storytelling to change narratives.

Today, as the CEO of the EbonyLife Group, Mo stands as a trailblazer in African media. Her work not only changed the entertainment landscape in Nigeria but also created a platform where African voices are heard, celebrated, and respected worldwide.

Her journey, marked by educated intuition, grit and resilience, has earned her global recognition, including being named Forbes’ 2024 Businesswoman of the Year. But her success didn’t come easily—it was built through years of breaking barriers and overcoming challenges.

A leap of faith

In 2013, Mo made history as the first African woman to own a global black entertainment and lifestyle network, EbonyLife TV, earning her the title “Oprah of Africa”. Although driven by passion, this move was fraught with obstacles, including struggles to get funding for projects she believed in.

“There was scepticism about whether African content could be ‘sellable’ globally,” she admits. “But I was determined. I believed in the power of African stories, and I knew the world was ready to hear them.

“I surrounded myself with people who shared my vision and together, we pushed boundaries.”

Through EbonyLife, Mo created a platform that showcased the richness of African culture, from Nollywood films like The Wedding Party, Oloture, and Fifty to hit series such as Blood Sisters and Castle and Castle.

Her work redefined what it meant to be African in the eyes of the world. She recalls, “It wasn’t just about entertainment—it was about changing narratives, about showing that Africa is a place of talent, innovation, and creativity.”

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A global voice for African stories

Mo Abudu’s influence stretches far beyond the screen. In 2020, she was appointed as one of the board of directors of the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, making her a global ambassador for African media. Her role ensures that African stories are acknowledged in international conversations, where they can compete and thrive.

“When I’m compared to Oprah, it’s humbling,” she says, smiling. “But my journey has always been about giving Africa a voice. I’ve built my identity around telling African stories with authenticity.”

Her success has opened doors for countless others in the industry. Through EbonyLife Creative Academy and other initiatives, she is nurturing the next generation of African talent. “It’s not just about what I’ve achieved,” she notes. “It’s about what I’m helping others to achieve. That’s the legacy I want to leave behind.”

Fashioning her path

Mo Abudu’s story is a tale of elegance and grit. At 60, she continues to inspire with her bold, contemporary fashion sense. From her love of statement jewellery to her ability to blend luxury brands with African designers, Mo Abudu is as much a fashion icon as she is a media mogul.

Recently, she made headlines with her 10-day countdown photo shoot for her birthday, featuring a series of simple, yet classy outfits styled by Mo from Mo’s Closet. For every outfit, she displayed an effortless elegance that reflects her spirit of resilience and creativity.

“Fashion is about expression,” she says, “and I believe it’s a powerful way to showcase our culture to the world.”

Her wardrobe, like her work, is a celebration of African creativity. By wearing pieces from local designers, Mo Abudu elevates not only her style but also the profile of the entire African fashion industry. “Fashion isn’t limited to age,” she says. “It’s about confidence, about knowing who you are and reflecting that in what you wear.”

Lessons in leadership

As one of the most powerful women in international film, her leadership has been built on an unyielding dedication to her vision.

“Every challenge I’ve faced has taught me something valuable,” she reflects. “The key is to stay true to your vision, even when the path is difficult.”

With more African stories waiting to be told to a global audience, the EbonyLife boss is helping raise a new generation of gifted storytellers, paying forward the sort of mentorship she had at the early stage of her career. Her company, in partnership with the Lagos state government, is training young filmmakers i, with hundreds of people already benefiting.

“I’ve had mentors who’ve guided me through pivotal moments,” she says, “and now, I see it as my responsibility to give back. To inspire and support the next generation of African leaders.”

For young women breaking into male-dominated industries, Mo offers this advice: “Be unapologetically yourself. Your voice is powerful, and your perspective is needed. Don’t be afraid to take up space, and stay grounded in your values.”

With six decades already spent on earth, Mo Abudu shows no signs of slowing down. Her vision for the future is clear: to continue pushing boundaries in media and entertainment while shaping the African hospitality industry through her EbonyLife Place resort. “The world is changing,” she says, “and I want to be part of that change, helping to shape the future of African media.”

The legacy continues

As she reflects on her six-decade journey, her message is clear: Africa’s stories matter, and it’s up to us to tell them. “I hope to inspire the next generation by showing them what’s possible,” she says. “I want young people to see that they can be leaders, creators, and change-makers in whatever field they choose.”

With her exceptional influence in media, dedication to African storytelling, and effortless style, Mo Abudu has cemented her place as a global icon. But for her, the work has only just begun.

“There’s so much more to come,” she says, “and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”