Media mogul and CEO of EbonyLife Media, Mo Abudu, has been appointed to the International Emmys Board of Directors. The esteemed organization, with a rich history dating back to the early days of global television, recognizes and celebrates excellence in programming from around the world.
“I am honored to contribute to the International Emmys’ mission to promote international collaboration and showcase the best in television,” said Abboudu.
“In this role, I am particularly interested in leveraging the platform to elevate Africa’s growing creative economy. By advocating for increased representation of African producers and talent, I believe the International Emmys can play a critical role in highlighting Africa’s unique stories and promoting its creative industries on the world stage.”
Mo Abudu is a force in the African media landscape. As CEO of EbonyLife Media, she oversees a media production company including EbonyLife Films, EbonyLife Studios, EbonyLife Creative Academy and EbonyLife Place, Nigeria’s first luxury entertainment resort. Under her leadership, EbonyLife Media has produced some of the highest grossing Nollywood blockbusters and secured production partnerships with international studios such as Netflix, Sony and the BBC.
Abudu is a relentless advocate of African storytelling. She recently released ‘Blood Sisters’, Netflix’s first Nigerian Original series, which won international acclaim.
In addition, her adaptation of Professor Wole Soyinka’s play, Elesin Oba, (The King’s Horseman), premiered at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival.
A champion for inclusion, Abudu has partnered with Idris Elba’s Green Door Pictures to empower talent from Africa and its diaspora. She is also a recent Executive Fellow of Harvard Business School and the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University.
Abudu’s dedication to the industry extends beyond production. In February 2024, she made history as a guest programmer for the Academy Film Museum in Los Angeles, curating the ground-breaking series “Echoes of Africa” ​​- the institution’s first showcase of African cinema.
Mo Abudu’s many achievements were recently recognized when she was named the Forbes Africa Businesswoman of the Year on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2024.
Her appointment to the International Emmy board marks a new chapter in her illustrious career and a powerful platform to elevate African storytelling to the world stage.
A dynamic content unit with irresistible movement
Further cementing its position as a content powerhouse, Abudu released ‘Wrath and Revenge’, a gripping political drama series set in Northern Nigeria, on Netflix in December 2023.
Her commitment to diverse storytelling continues with “Oloture: The Journey,” a new series serving as a sequel to the original hit film, set to debut on Netflix soon.
Abudu recently wrapped production on “Baby Farm,” another Netflix drama series that explores the dark underbelly of a seemingly reputable NGO. This captivating story follows a young pregnant girl who unknowingly entrusts her unborn twins to the organization, only to discover a horrible truth.
Looking ahead, Mo Abudu is all set to begin production on a co-written project with Idris Elba titled ‘Dust to Dreams’. Elba will also direct this project, with iconic musician Seal taking the lead role. This collaboration promises to be a powerful and captivating addition to Abudu’s already impressive slate.
Mo Abudu’s relentless drive and dedication to African storytelling is a true inspiration. Her work not only entertains audiences around the world, but creates opportunities and propels the African creative industry onto the world stage.