"MO ABUDU HAS CONQUERED A CONTINENT": CNN's LEADING WOMAN PROFILES "AFRICA'S OPRAH"

CNN has profiled Mo Abudu, Executive Chairman and CEO of EbonyLife TV
and first black woman to own a pan-African TV channel, EbonyLife TV, as
one of the continent's leading women.

'Mo' as she is fondly called was interviewed on 'Leading Women' - a show
that connects it's audience to extraordinary women in the world - as a
talk show host and media owner who presents the vision of a very
different Africa. The show celebrates women at the top of their field,
exploring their careers, lives and ideas.

With EbonyLife TV, Africa's first Global Black Entertainment and
lifestyle network, Mo has won acclaim for building a TV network creating
1,000 hours of fresh, engaging, original and premium homegrown
programming yearly. And there are plans to unveil even more channels -
all under the EbonyLife brand.


Calling her "Africa's Oprah", CNN notes that Mo Abudu’s greatest
achievement and what makes her story remarkable is not just conquering
African TV - but doing it without any prior media experience.

"There were many knock backs along the way, many people telling me 'you
can't do these things," said the British-born entrepreneur in an
interview with CNN's Stephanie Busari. "But I think what's important in
life is that you believe in yourself and the things you can do."

Click HERE to read the article and video from CNN

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EBONYLIFE TV CEO, MO ABUDU, DR NGOZI OKONJO-IWEALA, BILL CLINTON AND OTHERS TO BE HONOURED AT THE CENTURY OF THE AFRICAN WOMAN GALA NIGHT IN NEW YORK

Chairman and CEO of EbonyLife TV - Africa's first Global Black entertainment and lifestyle network - Mo Abudu will be honoured at the Century of the African Woman Forum and Gala on March 8, 2014 in Manhattan, New York, USA.

Mo Abudu, chief executive officer of EbonyLife TV said "I am grateful for the recognition. For me it is humbling and challenging. I celebrate my team at Ebonylife TV whose commitment to excellence consistently pushes the frontiers in media in the continent and around the world."

Other honourees at the Gala will include Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Finance Minister and Coordinating for the Economy, Former President of the United States of America; Bill Clinton and Dr Mehriet Mandefo; President of Truth Aid and winner of a 2014 Sundance Film Festival Award.

The Gala event is the second of a two-part celebration lined up for International Women Day following a Forum organized by WomenWerk and promises inspiring opportunities to learn, invest, and network. The hallmark Gala is also to celebrate the rich and positive contributions
of African women across the globe.

Hosts for the evening include Ijeoma Genevieve Mbamalu; Founder of MUI-The PR Company and leading Afrobeats DJ, Dj Universe.

For more information; email: WomenWerk@gmail.com

About Mo Abudu

Mosunmola Abudu popularly known as Mo Abudu, is the Chairman and Chief Executive of EbonyLife TV, Hostess and Executive Producer of Moments with Mo, a Media Personality, Human Resource Management Consultant and Entrepreneur/Venture Capitalist.

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EBONYLIFE TV CEO MO ABUDU HOSTS BOLA ADESOLA, OMOBOLA JOHNSON, SOLA DAVID-BORHA, BETTY IRABOR, LANRE DA-SILVA AJAYI AND OTHER FEMALE BUSINESS LEADERS

EbonyLife TV in collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation hosted female investors, entrepreneurs, chief executives and icons to the Invest Africa Meet and Greet on February 1, 2014 at the Wheat Baker Hotel Ikoyi, Lagos.

The gathering was a platform for discussion on investment opportunities that abound in the African continent and practical steps towards the growth and development of businesses in Africa.

Mo Abudu, chief executive officer of EbonyLife TV was the host. ““So we all already know that this is a continent that is blessed, and it's even more blessed to have the quality of female business and political leaders who have leaned in to drive growth and development. This meeting emphasies the imperative of investment, of expansion, of a systemic approach to expanding wealth and opportunities for the continent."

Guest present at the event include Onari Duke ( Former First Lady, Cross River ), Sola David-Borha, (GMD StanbicIBTC), Tony O. Elumelu (Chairman, Heirs Holding), Bola Adesola ( MD Standard Chartered Bank), Omobola Johnson (Honourable Minister of Communications Technology), Tonye Cole (ED, Sahara Group), publisher Betty Irabor, Elohor Aisien, Lanre DaSilva Ajayi, Omotola Jalade–Ekeinde, Robert Hersov, Ryszard Varisella, amongst others.

See photos.

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D’BANJ, TUFACE, AND OTHER NIGERIAN STARS IN COLLABORATION WITH MO ABUDU'S EBONYLIFE TV INITIATE THE LEGACY CONCERT – A TRIBUTE TO MANDELA

As the world mourns the passing of the late African and global icon, Nelson Mandela, Nigerian stars and other production partners, in
collaboration with EbonyLife TV, Africa’s first Global Black Entertainment Network, have initiated and concluded plans for an unprecedented and star-studded tribute, titled “The Legacy Lives … A Tribute Concert”, in celebration of the extraordinary life and times of the legendary freedom fighter, nation builder, liberator, humanitarian, democrat, unity promoter, instrument of change, philanthropist, Nobel Peace Prize winner, the first democratically elected black South African President and an inspiration to leadership for the rest of the world. 

Headline acts for the concert include Dbanj, Tuface, Darey, Burna Boy, Ikechukwu, Eldee the Don, Zaina, Mo Easy, Engager, Chioma, DJ Babus, Timi Dakolo, Waje, Julius Agwu, Mike Aremu, J. Martins, Niyola, Omawunmi, Tiwa Savage, Rocksteady, amongst others. Production partners for the tribute include Beat FM, Eko Hotel, Maverick Equinox, Bella Naija, Red Media Africa, 360 Nobs, Linda Ikeji and Noel Productions. Behind the scene support will be provided by African Events, GQ Acoustics, No Surprises Events, Pisces Power, Edi Lawani, Prive, South African Airlines, Discovery Brands Management, Damell Photography and K-Square. The commemorative event, which is scheduled to hold on December 18, 2013, at The Oceanview Restaurant, Victoria Island, Lagos, promises to be a very befitting and groundbreaking honour in memory of the extraordinary life and unselfish contributions of one of the greatest beacons of hope, inspiration and freedom to ever walk the surface of this earth.

 According to Funmi Victor-Okigbo, Chief Executive Officer, No Surprises Events, “We’ll ensure that the event is orchestrated and executed to perfection according to world-class standards.” For Mo Abudu, Chairman and CEO of EbonyLife TV, “It’s one of the least of things we can do as Nigerians, Africans and Global Black citizens of the world to honour a unique, caring and very humble global character.” She continues, “Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela lives on as a beacon of hope and a true icon of inspiration; a man of extraordinary vision who has left such a great legacy of humanity that Africans and the rest of the world must strive to aspire to. So we are indeed very proud to put this together. It’s a free concert for the expensive price of liberty paid for by the selfless Madiba. We made a call to the industry and we got really tremendous response. For all our music stars and partners, we cannot thank you all enough for your sacrifice, kindness and generosity, which themselves typify the spirit of ‘Ubuntu’, which is South African for humanity. God bless you all.”

 There is already a groundswell of activity and anticipation about the event which already has everything it takes to go down into history as a major rallying point for the celebration of the life and legacy of the man, The Madiba. About Mo Abudu Mosunmola Abudu popularly known as Mo Abudu, is the Chairman and Chief Executive of EbonyLife TV, Hostess and Executive Producer of Moments with Mo, a Media Personality, Human Resource Management Consultant and Entrepreneur/Venture Capitalist.

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MO ABUDU'S EBONYLIFE TV TO DEBUT THE AFRICAN VERSION OF DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES

From Left to Right: Catherine Powell, SVP & GM, Media Distribution, The Walt Disney Company, EMEA; Giovanni Mastrangelo, General Manager, Disney Media Distribution, Emerging Markets; Mo Abudu, Chairman & CEO, EbonyLife TV, at the Press Conference in Cannes announcing plans for the co-production of “Desperate Housewives Africa”, by EbonyLife TV and Disney. Mo Abudu’s EbonyLife TV has signed a co-production deal for the African version of Desperate Housewives scheduled to debut in mid -2014. The original ABC TV series- Desperate Housewives - followed the lives of a group of women as seen through the eyes of a dead neighbour who committed suicide in the very first episode.

The storyline covers thirteen years of the women's lives over eight seasons as they worked through domestic struggles and family life, while facing the secrets, crimes and mysteries hidden behind the doors of their — at the surface — beautiful and seemingly perfect neighbourhood. Ben Pyne, President of global distribution at Disney, revealed at the recently concluded MIPCOM 2013 (an international TV and entertainment market held in Cannes once every year; where content is introduced for co-producing, buying, selling, financing and distributing) that the African version of the comedy/drama series created by Marc Cherry, and broadcast by ABC from 2004 until 2012 - is currently in development, for a summer 2014 debut.

The co-production deal with EbonyLife TV will feature an African cast, set in Lagos, Nigeria, where it will also be shot, airing in 44 countries within the African continent. The highly popular series gathered a huge following in Nigeria as well over the years. Mo Abudu, CEO of EbonyLife TV said, “We are going to make it relevant, number one, by using local talent — talent that our viewers will know and love; two, we are going to work with local stylists, local fashion designers, local interior designers." The series has had four South American versions: one for Argentina, one for Colombia and one for Brazil as well as a remake in Turkey. “We are going to give the stories an African flavour. We will localize it, because there’s nothing the West has that Africa doesn’t have. We love, we fight, we kiss and we make up. We like all the good things in life. There’s good and there’s evil globally. So all those human interests, those things that appeal to you, believe me, appeal to us also.” Mo Abudu added.

 

The Nigerian series will feature an African cast of new emerging and established talents and will be filmed on location in Lagos, Nigeria, at Adiva Estates, a gated development along the Lekki Expressway, developed by ARM. This location has been identified as Africa’s own "Wisteria Lane". Production will closely follow the format and storylines of the original US version, with a uniquely Nigerian flavour. And to ensure the series retains its international appeal but with an African soul, EbonyLife TV will be working with DO.ii designs and Agatha Interiors on furniture design for the Desperate Housewives Africa sets. On dressing of talent, EbonyLife TV will be partnering with stylist Veronica of Vane-Style and major Nigerian designers to include Bridget Awosika, Ella & Gabby, Jewel By Lisa, Kareema Mak, Lanre Da Silva, Meena, Me-Li, Needle Point, Odio Mimonet, Phunkafrique, Toju Foyeh, etcetera.

 

Talks are also ongoing with a number of potential sponsors to take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity that will undoubtedly deliver increased brand awareness, massive brand building and huge propensity to purchase. With this exciting news, the question on everyone’s mind is, which actresses from our continent will make up the ensemble of cast in the Nigeria-set Desperate Housewives Africa? We wait to see.

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MEDIA ENTREPRENEUR, MO ABUDU VISITS PRESIDENCY, UPDATES ON EBONYLIFE TV

TV host and chief executive of Inspire Africa, Mo Abudu was hosted by Presidency five days ago, on a visit to formally introduce her exciting new media platform.

She was received at the presidential villa in the Federal Capital Territory by Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), Dr. Reuben Abati.

Mo Abudu was commended for coming up with the new, revolutionary and eagerly anticipated EbonyLife TV Channel, Nigeria’s and Africa’s first Global Black entertainment network, creating over 700 hours of non-stop, original and premium programming to be immediately transmitted to and watched in over 46 African Countries and by over 8 million viewers; with Roll Out distribution strategy also including major international platforms in the UK, United States, Brazil, Canada and other parts of Europe.

Ms. Abudu presented a detailed brief on the channel to Dr. Abati who gave his best wishes to Ms. Abudu and her partners for the channel which will soon become available to viewers on DSTV and other global platforms. He also emphasised the government’s support for the channel, as well as the creative industries in Nigeria.

“We are grateful for all the support on this historic journey to build a television channel exclusively dedicated to Nigerian and African entertainment programming,” Ms. Abudu said. “The channel, broadcasting from Tinapa in Cross River State is driven by a world-class team and will be targeted at young, discerning, ambitious, vocal, progressive and dynamic Global Black audience through a robust multiplicity of engaging platforms including TV, Web, Mobile, Apps and Live. We can’t wait to launch.

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