Mo Abudu Launches Ebony Life London, Makes History With Bold New Home for African Stories 

 In a powerful celebration of Black and African creativity, Nigerian media powerhouse Mo Abudu officially unveiled EbonyLife Place London on Thursday, 8 October 2026. Located near Nine Elms in south-west London, the multi-storey cultural hub stands as the United Kingdom’s first dedicated cinema and creative space focused exclusively on Black and African film, fashion, food, art, music and storytelling. 

The grand opening, timed with Black History Month and the London Film Festival, was attended by Honourable Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, other notable guests included Nollywood icon Kate Henshaw, Florence Eshalomi MP, Toke Makinwa and a host of creatives, partners and supporters who came out in force to honour this milestone.

The launch  is more than the launch of a venue—it is a testament to the visionary leadership of African women building permanent platforms for our stories on the global stage. Mo Abudu, the London-born Nigerian media mogul behind EbonyLife Group, has long championed representation. She has consistently created space where African narratives, especially those centred on women’s experiences, can thrive without apology. EbonyLife Place London extends the successful model of her Lagos complex (opened in 2019), financed almost entirely by her media group. At its heart is the 160-seat Amani Auditorium the UK’s only cinema dedicated to African and Black films alongside the Afrobeat Restaurant, Fèhìntí Lounge, Zuri Retail boutique showcasing African and diaspora designers, the Living Wall Gallery, and spaces for masterclasses, panels and live performances.

The presence of remarkable women at the launch underscored the spirit of sisterhood and collective elevation that defines so much of Nigerian women’s progress. Toke Benson-Awoyinka delivered a strong message of cultural bridge-building between Lagos and London. Kate Henshaw, a longstanding force in Nollywood, stood among the guests celebrating one of their own. 

Other trailblazing women in the room and in the wider circle of support politicians, creatives, entrepreneurs and cultural leaders reflected the power of women showing up for women. Their presence affirmed that when one sister rises and creates space, many more are lifted with her.