EbonyLife Media CEO Mo Abudu is on a mission to elevate African storytelling to new heights. With the launch of EbonyLife on Plus, a membership-based streaming service, Abudu is expanding the reach of her Lagos-based company to showcase pan-African series, movies, talk shows, and lifestyle content.
EbonyLife was founded in 2012 as a premium TV network and has since made a successful transition into feature film and series production, forging partnerships with industry giants like Sony Pictures Television and Netflix. The launch of EbonyLife on Plus comes at a crucial time for the African creative community, which has faced setbacks with global streamers like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video shifting their focus away from the region.
In an interview with Variety, Abudu emphasized the importance of providing a platform for African voices to be heard. She expressed her commitment to creating a space where African creators can share their stories and connect with audiences both on the continent and in the diaspora.
EbonyLife on Plus is not aiming to compete with the likes of Netflix or Amazon but rather to offer a unique space for curated content that resonates with a diverse audience. The platform will feature a mix of scripted content, reality shows, lifestyle programming, and exclusive masterclasses hosted by Abudu herself.
The inaugural slate of EbonyLife on Plus will include a combination of existing library content, Nollywood classics, films from Sony Pictures, and original scripted shows. Anticipated highlights include a family drama titled “Hallelujah” and an untitled film starring Omoni Oboli. The platform will also feature lifestyle-driven specials celebrating African identity, such as dance masterclasses led by Nigeria’s own Kaffy.
Abudu is optimistic about the future of African storytelling and sees opportunities for growth in the global market. She points to the success of co-productions like “Baby Farm,” which performed well on Netflix in English-speaking countries. Abudu believes that there is a demand for African stories and that platforms like EbonyLife on Plus can fill that void.
In addition to the streaming service, EbonyLife is expanding its reach with the opening of an African cinema in South London. Abudu is also working on projects with international partners like Idris Elba, Starz, and Lionsgate, further cementing EbonyLife’s position as a leading force in African entertainment.
Overall, EbonyLife on Plus represents a new chapter in Abudu’s legacy as a trailblazer in African media. By providing a platform for diverse voices and stories, she is shaping the future of African storytelling and connecting audiences around the world.
