Mo Abudu is more than a name—she is a movement. A visionary media entrepreneur, storyteller, and advocate for African narratives, Mo Abudu has transformed the continent’s media landscape. She is the founder of EbonyLife Media, a trailblazing platform that has become synonymous with excellence, originality, and the celebration of African voices.
Now, in 2025, her influence is immortalized in a breathtaking hyperrealistic portrait by artist Melody Osagie, unveiled as part of the Adesuwa Inspirational Women Spring Art Collection. Displayed at Lambeth Archives in London, the portrait of Mo Abudu stands proudly among those of other global changemakers, honoring her as an icon of creativity, cultural pride, and ambition.
A Journey Rooted in Storytelling
Born Mosunmola Abudu in London, Mo spent her early years in the UK and Nigeria. Her professional journey began in the world of human resources, where she quickly rose through the ranks as a high-performing executive in both local and international firms. But it was her unshakable belief in the power of African storytelling that redirected her life’s mission.
In 2006, Abudu made a bold leap into media with Moments with Mo, Africa’s first syndicated daily talk show. The show featured guests ranging from presidents and celebrities to everyday people doing extraordinary things. With over 200 episodes aired across 48 African countries, Mo became known as “Africa’s Oprah,” a nickname that, while flattering, only scratches the surface of her impact.
Her ability to host nuanced conversations around politics, culture, health, and gender opened doors to deeper representation in African media. But Mo didn’t stop there—she was just getting started.
EbonyLife: Redefining African Media
In 2013, she founded EbonyLife TV, the first pan-African entertainment network focused on telling African stories through a modern, aspirational lens. Under Mo’s leadership, EbonyLife broke new ground in African television and film, producing high-quality, original content that resonated across generations.
From dramas like The Governor to glossy reality shows and talk programs, Mo built a media empire that challenged stereotypes and gave African creators a global platform. But it was in the film industry that she truly reshaped the narrative.
Her production company, EbonyLife Films, quickly became a powerhouse in Nollywood—the world’s second-largest film industry. The 2016 release of The Wedding Party, co-produced by EbonyLife, broke box office records and became the highest-grossing Nigerian film at the time. The sequel followed suit, proving that African cinema could be both artistically rich and commercially successful.
Africa to the World
Abudu’s determination to export African stories to a global audience has led to historic partnerships. She has signed groundbreaking deals with major international studios including Netflix, Sony Pictures, and AMC Networks. These collaborations have paved the way for African-inspired stories to reach audiences in every corner of the world.
In 2020, Mo made history once again by securing a multi-title deal with Netflix to develop original series and films, including adaptations of literary works by African authors. It marked a pivotal moment in global media: the formal recognition that African stories are not just relevant—they are essential.
Whether producing a romantic comedy, a political thriller, or a period drama, Mo Abudu’s work consistently centres African identities, values, and experiences. She has declared that “Africa is bursting with stories,” and through her platform, those stories are being told like never before.
A Champion for Women and African Talent
A fierce advocate for women’s empowerment, Abudu has built her empire with a keen focus on representation—both on-screen and behind the scenes. She has created opportunities for young African filmmakers, writers, producers, and creatives, providing mentorship, resources, and training to elevate the next generation of storytellers.
In a space historically dominated by male voices, Mo’s leadership style is unapologetically inclusive. She continues to use her platform to spotlight women’s voices, address societal inequalities, and challenge patriarchal norms. Her company is one of the most gender-diverse production houses in Africa, a testament to her belief that empowerment begins with access and visibility.
Her advocacy doesn’t stop at media. She has spoken at global forums like the World Economic Forum, UNESCO, and the International Women’s Forum, sharing insights on creativity, entrepreneurship, and the importance of narrative ownership.
Accolades and Global Recognition
Mo Abudu’s work has earned her countless accolades. She was named one of Forbes Africa’s Most Powerful Women and has been recognized by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Global Television. In 2021, she received the Medal of Honor from the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences—an honor bestowed on visionaries who have made an outstanding impact on television across the globe.
Her influence spans not just media, but culture, business, and social change. Through storytelling, she has inspired millions to reimagine what’s possible for Africa and its people.
Immortalized in the Adesuwa Collection
The Adesuwa Inspirational Women Spring Art Collection 2025 celebrates women who have changed the world—and Mo Abudu is undoubtedly among them. Captured by the talented hyperrealism artist Melody Osagie, Mo’s portrait is a visual embodiment of elegance, strength, and innovation.
Her likeness in the artwork exudes quiet confidence, her eyes reflecting both the weight of responsibility and the fire of purpose. Set among fellow trailblazers like Chimamanda Adichie, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and Michelle Obama, Mo’s portrait anchors the exhibition as a tribute to storytelling as an act of liberation.
Curated by the Adesuwa Africa Charitable Foundation, the exhibition highlights African excellence through the lens of women’s achievements, and Mo Abudu’s inclusion is both fitting and powerful.
Legacy in Motion
Mo Abudu is a living legacy. Her impact is visible not only in the content she creates but in the cultural shifts she has helped spark. She has opened doors where none existed, told stories no one else dared to tell, and built an empire fueled by vision, resilience, and an unyielding belief in Africa.
As visitors walk through the halls of Lambeth Archives during the exhibition, standing before Mo’s portrait will feel like standing in front of a mirror—one that reflects what African women can become when they take hold of their narratives.
Her story is not just one of success but of transformation. In a world often reluctant to hear African voices, Mo Abudu made the world listen. And in doing so, she redefined what is possible for women, for creators, and for the continent itself.
She is, without question, an Adesuwa Inspirational Woman.
