Nigerian media entrepreneur Mo Abudu has expanded her vision for African storytelling with the opening of EbonyLife Place London, a cultural and entertainment destination in the Nine Elms area of South London. The venue brings African film, fashion, food, music and art together under one roof, creating a dedicated space for African and Black creativity in the United Kingdom.
Officially unveiled on October 8, 2026, EbonyLife Place London features the 160-seat Amani Auditorium, alongside spaces dedicated to African cuisine, fashion, art and entertainment.
The opening ceremony attracted notable guests, including London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, alongside other dignitaries and industry figures.
Mo Abudu’s Vision for African Creativity
Speaking in an interview with BBC Africa ahead of the opening, Mo Abudu explained the thinking behind EbonyLife Place London, highlighting the need for dedicated spaces where African and Black stories can be shared and celebrated.
She noted that African and Black content remains underrepresented across existing platforms, making it important to create spaces where these stories can reach audiences on their own terms.
“It’s not to say that Black and African films can’t sit on other platforms, but I think predominantly because we’re so underrepresented, we need to create spaces where we feel safe and where our content can be shared amongst us,” she said.
For Abudu, the vision extends beyond cinema. She wants EbonyLife Place London to provide a permanent destination for different expressions of African culture, from food and fashion to film.
“This just gives a permanent 24-7 home to our films, to our food, to our fashion,” she explained.
Abudu also emphasised the importance of representation in challenging perceptions of African and Black communities. She believes that telling different stories and creating opportunities for these narratives to be heard are important steps towards changing how these communities are understood.
Through EbonyLife Place London, Abudu hopes to give African creativity a more visible and lasting presence in the United Kingdom, bringing the continent’s stories and cultural experiences closer to international audiences.
Inside EbonyLife Place London
From African films and cuisine to fashion and visual art, EbonyLife Place London brings different expressions of African creativity into one destination.
The London opening builds on the story of EbonyLife Place in Lagos, which opened in 2019. While the Lagos destination combines cinema, hospitality and entertainment, its London counterpart introduces a dedicated space for African and Black films alongside facilities celebrating African food, fashion and art.
At the heart of the venue is the 160-seat Amani Auditorium, a dedicated space for African and Black cinema. During the opening programme, guests had the opportunity to preview The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives, bringing African storytelling to the forefront of the launch. Beyond film screenings, the auditorium is designed to accommodate events and cultural gatherings, providing a space where creatives and audiences can come together.
The experience extends beyond the screen. At the Afrobeat Restaurant, visitors can explore African cuisine, while Zuri Retail showcases African-inspired fashion, jewellery, beauty and design. The Living Wall Gallery adds another dimension to the experience, providing a space for African and diaspora art.
Visitors can also gather at the Fèhìntí Lounge, while the Maji Concession and Bar offers refreshments.
Together, these spaces reflect a broader vision: one in which African creativity is experienced as a whole, rather than through individual films or isolated cultural events. By bringing cinema, food, fashion and art together, EbonyLife Place London seeks to create a destination where African culture can be experienced, shared and celebrated in the heart of London.
Sadiq Khan Welcomes EbonyLife Place London
London Mayor Sadiq Khan welcomed the opening of EbonyLife Place London, describing it as a new destination for African and Black creativity.
In his remarks, Khan highlighted the venue’s focus on film, music, art, fashion and food, recognising its potential to contribute to London’s cultural scene.
“From Nollywood to London, the story continues. I’m delighted to welcome EbonyLife Place London, a new home for African and Black film, music, art, fashion and food,” he said.
Khan also celebrated the cultural connection between the two cities, stating, “Proud to celebrate both Lagos and London, two global capitals of creativity.”
His remarks highlight the role EbonyLife Place London could play in connecting African creatives with audiences in the United Kingdom while strengthening cultural links between Lagos and London.
Toke Benson-Awoyinka Celebrates EbonyLife Place London Opening
Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, has celebrated the opening of EbonyLife Place London, describing it as a proud moment for Nigeria’s creative industry.
Benson-Awoyinka, who represented the Lagos State Governor at the launch, attended the event alongside London Mayor Sadiq Khan, UK government officials, industry practitioners and other guests.
Reflecting on the occasion in an Instagram post, she expressed pride in seeing Lagos represented on an international stage and praised Mo Abudu for her commitment to bringing the project to life.
“Today I’m proud to be a member of that industry that has made Nigeria proud beyond what we can ever believe or imagine,” she wrote.
Congratulating Abudu and her team, she added, “Congratulations Mosunmola and your entire team for making us proud again!!”
Her remarks highlight the significance of the opening for Nigeria’s creative industry and the growing opportunities for Nigerian entertainment and culture to connect with international audiences.
Why EbonyLife Place London Matters for African Creativity
The opening of EbonyLife Place London creates an opportunity for African creativity to reach wider audiences through a dedicated cultural destination in the United Kingdom. By bringing African cinema, fashion, food and art together, the venue offers visitors different ways to experience the continent’s creative industries.
For African filmmakers, artists and other creatives, spaces like this could help build connections with international audiences and introduce more people to stories and cultural expressions that might otherwise receive less attention.
Beyond its opening, the project’s lasting significance will depend on how it continues to showcase African talent, attract audiences and create opportunities for cultural exchange.
For Mo Abudu, EbonyLife Place London represents a step towards giving African stories and creativity a more permanent presence on the international stage.
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