.jpeg)
Mo Abudu, CEO of the EbonyLife Group, has been recognized as the 2024 Businesswoman of the Year at the prestigious Forbes Africa Woman Awards, held at Emperor’s Palace in Johannesburg on Friday, March 8th, coinciding with International Women’s Day.
Mo Abudu’s exceptional leadership and achievements in the
corporate world have earned her the title of “Africa’s Most Successful Woman”
by Forbes. Under her guidance, EbonyLife Group has become a powerhouse in the
entertainment industry, comprising EbonyLife Films, EbonyLife Studios, the
EbonyLife Creative Academy, and EbonyLife Place, Nigeria’s first luxury
entertainment resort.
Abudu’s notable productions include highest-grossing
blockbusters such as Fifty, The Wedding Party, Your Excellency, and
Òlòtūré. Other production successes
include Blood Sisters, Netflix’s first Original Nigerian series, which garnered
over 11 million hours of viewing time and secured a spot in Netflix’s Global
Top Ten list. Wrath and Revenge launched on Netflix over Christmas 2023 and
Netflix recently announced the upcoming release of other titles to include an Oloture
sequel and Baby Farm – a brand new series, where a young pregnant woman becomes
a prisoner of a sinister baby farm operating as the auspices of an NGO.
Furthering her impact internationally, EbonyLife Media has
entered into collaborations with renowned studios such as Sony, AMC Networks,
Netflix, Starz, Lionsgate, BBC, Westbrook Studios, and Will Packer Productions.
Mo Abudu’s commitment to fostering talent and diversity in
the media industry is evident through her partnership with Idris Elba’s Green
Door Pictures. Together, they aim to uplift talent from Africa and its
diaspora, creating inclusive and diverse content.
Acknowledging her recent accolades, Mo Abudu expressed
gratitude, stating, “Gratitude fills my heart as I share this remarkable news
with you! Last night in Johannesburg, I was honored with the prestigious 2024
BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD at the FORBES AFRICA WOMAN AWARDS. To Forbes
Africa, thank you so much! Your recognition is both humbling and empowering.”
She further emphasized the importance of resilience and
unity among African women, dedicating her success to her team at EbonyLife, her
family, and all the remarkable women who inspire her.
Mo Abudu’s impact extends beyond the entertainment industry;
she recently curated the groundbreaking “Echoes of Africa” series at the
Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, showcasing African cinema for
the first time in the institution’s history.
Her commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders
is reflected in her role as a distinguished judge for the Forbes 30 Under 30
selection committee , her appointment as Creatives Champion for the upcoming
UK-African Investment Summit by the UK Government and her work at upskilling
the next generation of filmmakers at the EbonyLife Creative Academy.
Mo Abudu’s journey serves as an inspiration to women
everywhere, reminding them that with determination and resilience, any obstacle
can be overcome. Her message to fellow women is clear: “If you can think it,
you can do it. Together, let’s continue to pave the path for generations to
come.”