As a fan, I can’t help but be absolutely captivated by Mo Abudu’s incredible journey! She’s not just a trailblazer in African media, she’s a beacon of inspiration for women everywhere who dare to dream big and defy expectations.
Mo Abudu humorously recalls that when she switched careers at age 40, moving from a high-ranking position at oil company ExxonMobil to establishing her own media empire, many people thought it was a midlife crisis. Almost two decades later, often referred to as the “Queen of African media,” Abudu has demonstrated that she was not experiencing a crisis, but rather making a bold move. Today, at 60, her impact and influence in the industry are still expanding.
EbonyLife, her business group, has partnered with African Export Import Bank (Afreximbank) to fund and create content from Africa for global distribution. Their inaugural venture, the family drama Dust to Dreams, will feature Idris Elba as director alongside singers Seal, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Eku Edewor, Atlanta Bridget Johnson, and Constance Olatunde. On the distribution front, EbonyLife recently sealed a deal with the new Nigerian studio Nile Media Entertainment Group to introduce a line of “premium cinema experiences,” called The Pods, throughout West Africa, an area known for its underserved theatrical market.
Previously, she established the EbonyLife Creative Academy with Lego blocks, nurturing the upcoming African creative talents.
Despite her success, Abudu acknowledges the challenges women still face getting ahead in the entertainment industry. “The greatest challenge has often been breaking through the preconceived notions of what a woman’s role should be in leadership,” she notes. “There is still a need to constantly prove one’s competence in spaces dominated by men, but I’ve always believed in staying focused and letting the work speak for itself.”
In the future, Abudu expresses her aspiration for an end to what she refers to as “superficial representation of Black content” on a global scale. She criticizes the trend where series featuring Black characters and narratives often receive only one opportunity, after which there’s typically no follow-up for the next five years. In contrast, she notes that this pattern doesn’t seem to affect “white” shows.
As I found myself among THR’s 2024 Most Powerful Women in International TV list, I seized this platform to address my fellow rising female executives. My advice is simple yet crucial: Always stay true to yourself and embrace authenticity wholeheartedly. Recognize your value, maintain a clear vision, and let nothing, not even the bustle of the industry, distract you from your path.
What was your first job in the business?
In my earliest career phase, I served as both the host and producer of ‘Moments with Mo’, a widely-recognized talk show in the business sector. This program offered a valuable space for significant discussions spanning Africa, inviting influential individuals from diverse backgrounds to engage in these conversations.
What was the biggest professional challenge you faced this past year?
“Navigating the ever-changing terrain of creating and disseminating content on various platforms worldwide, as we grow, has proven to be a significant hurdle. To strike a balance between fostering creativity and preserving our fundamental storytelling principles, we’ve had to be consistently flexible.
What do you see as your biggest achievement of the past year?
It’s truly heartening to witness the growth and expansion of the EbonyLife Creative Academy. This initiative has been a game-changer for countless creatives, providing them with the necessary resources to excel in Nigeria’s burgeoning entertainment scene, not just locally but globally too. Witnessing its prosperity and the raw talents we’ve helped cultivate is incredibly rewarding. Moreover, our ongoing projects have been nothing short of captivating. We eagerly anticipate the exciting developments that 2025/26 will bring!
What needs to be done to improve equality and diversity within the industry
It’s crucial to consistently prioritize the development of platforms that amplify underheard perspectives, specifically those belonging to women and individuals of color. This doesn’t only involve recruiting a diverse workforce but also providing them with the necessary tools and encouragement at every stage of their career, ranging from entry-level positions all the way up to executive roles.
As a woman navigating through this predominantly male-centric field, I’ve often encountered the most significant hurdle as being the persistent gender imbalance. Overcoming this challenge requires resilience, determination, and the courage to break down the barriers that have been ingrained in our industry for far too long.
In my experience as a passionate advocate, I’ve consistently encountered the hurdle of shattering stereotypes about women’s roles in leadership, particularly within the media and entertainment sectors. It seems that I often find myself having to demonstrate my abilities in male-dominated areas, but I’ve always held firm in my conviction to stay committed to my work and let it serve as my voice.
What current industry trend do you hope to soon see the back of?
I’d love to see an end to the overemphasis on sensationalism in content, where substance often gets sacrificed for shock value. We need more depth, storytelling that connects emotionally, and narratives that resonate beyond the moment. I’d also like to see an end to the tokenism of Black content. It seems like Black shows and features that may have slightly similar storylines only get one chance, and then that’s it for the next five years. This same logic never applies to “white” shows.
What advice would you give young women just entering the industry?
Embrace who you truly are and stay true to yourself. Understand your value, keep your sights set on your goals, and ignore the distractions of the field. Although the path may be tough, with determination and enthusiasm, you’ll discover your unique voice.
What show, currently on air, would you love to have made?
For me, SupaCell, penned and helmed by Rapman, has consistently stood out. Its innovative vision, unique narrative style, and compelling topics are nothing short of remarkable.
What do you watch for pleasure?
I take pleasure in exploring various genres, spanning from historical dramas to documentaries. Stories that portray resilience and the intricacies of human nature particularly inspire me. Recently, I’ve found myself captivated by “Succession” and “Presumed Innocent”, both available on Apple TV. Each of these productions offers a distinct perspective on storytelling, making them standouts in my viewing experience.
What do you do to unwind?
I enjoy spending quality moments with my loved ones, especially the grandchildren. Reading is one of my hobbies, along with keeping up with my preferred television series and movies.
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2024-10-22 12:25