Nigerian media entrepreneur Mo Abudu has launched EbonyLife Place in London, a new cultural and entertainment destination. The venue, located at 208 Wandsworth Road, London, brings African and Black cinema, food, fashion, art, music, and entertainment together under one roof. This expansion of Abudu’s EbonyLife Group aims to create about 40 direct jobs and strengthen creative links between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The launch, announced on Thursday, October 8, 2026, marks a significant milestone in Abudu’s efforts to build international platforms for African storytelling and creative businesses. At the centre of the facility is the 160-seat Amani Auditorium, dedicated to African and Black cinema. The auditorium will screen Nollywood films and works from other African countries, the Caribbean, the United States, the United Kingdom, and beyond.
The Amani Auditorium will also host industry discussions, masterclasses, live performances, and business events aimed at connecting established creatives with emerging talent. Abudu, founder and chief executive officer of EbonyLife Group, said the destination would help audiences discover African stories, artists, designers, and musicians while creating opportunities for cultural exchange.
The venue also houses The Afrobeat restaurant, which serves contemporary African cuisine; Fèhìntì Lounge; Zuri Retail, a store featuring African and diaspora fashion and lifestyle products; and the Living Wall Gallery, which will showcase contemporary African and diaspora art and photography. This diverse range of offerings solidifies EbonyLife Place as a hub for African culture and creativity in London.
The launch has received support from London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who described the venue as a valuable addition to the city’s cultural offerings. Khan visited EbonyLife Place in Lagos in 2025 during his trade mission to Africa and expressed his enthusiasm for the London venue, which he believes will help celebrate Black creativity and strengthen cultural connections.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu also welcomed the expansion, describing it as an opportunity to connect Lagosian creativity with international audiences. EbonyLife Place London aligns with wider efforts under the UK-Nigeria Economic, Trade and Investment Partnership to strengthen creative-sector ties, attract investment, and support talent in both countries.
The opening programme includes a partnership with Film Africa, the UK’s annual festival celebrating African cinema. The venue plans to run year-round programmes covering film, music, fashion, art, networking, and cultural events. A membership scheme is also expected to launch in the coming months, providing further opportunities for engagement and community building.
Key points
- Mo Abudu’s EbonyLife Place in London aims to create about 40 direct jobs and strengthen creative links between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
- The venue features the 160-seat Amani Auditorium, dedicated to African and Black cinema, and hosts various cultural and entertainment events.
- The launch has received support from London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, highlighting the venue's significance in promoting cultural exchange and creative partnerships.
