After dominating the box office as the highest-grossing cinema in West Africa in 2024, EbonyLife Group, led by media powerhouse Mo Abudu, is set to make waves in the UK.

The company has officially announced the launch of EbonyLife Place London, a luxury entertainment hub slated to open in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Modeled after its Lagos counterpart, which debuted in 2019, EbonyLife Place London will offer a premium entertainment experience under one roof.

This includes a state-of-the-art 180-seater cinema, upscale dining, curated fashion retail, an art gallery, and a multipurpose stage for concerts, masterclasses, and cultural events.

Designed to celebrate and amplify African excellence, this venture aims to captivate not just the growing Nigerian and African diaspora but also international audiences eager to engage with Nollywood and African storytelling.

The decision to bring EbonyLife Place to London follows an exceptional year for the brand.

Its flagship cinema in Lagos, EbonyLife Cinemas, achieved record-breaking success in 2024, generating an impressive ₦838.7 million in box office revenue, a 15.4% increase in admissions from the previous year.

Recognized as the highest-grossing cinema in Anglophone West Africa as per FilmOne’s yearbook and the Nigerian Box Office, the Lagos-based entertainment hub set the stage for international expansion.

EbonyLife’s move into London comes at a crucial time when Nigerian films are gaining global traction.

Recent successes, such as Mami Wata and Over The Bridge, have cemented Nollywood’s influence beyond Africa.

Meanwhile, Everybody Loves Jenifa, distributed by Nile, enjoyed a sold-out run in the UK even before its official premiere on December 20, 2024, highlighting the growing appetite for African-centered entertainment.

The expansion also aligns with a strategic shift in how African content is being distributed.

With major streaming platforms reevaluating their presence in Africa, industry leaders like Mo Abudu are exploring alternative avenues.

In addition to EbonyLife Place London, the company recently announced a mid-2024 partnership with Nile Media to develop luxury cinema pods across West Africa.

These innovative spaces will cater to audiences seeking a more immersive cinematic experience.

Under Mo Abudu’s visionary leadership, EbonyLife Group has been instrumental in pushing Nigerian stories onto the global stage.

The company’s multi-year partnership with Netflix, as well as deals with Sony Pictures Television and the BBC, underscore its commitment to elevating African narratives worldwide.

Set to be a cultural landmark, EbonyLife Place London will not only be the UK’s first African-focused cinema but also a vibrant creative hub.

Visitors can expect an eclectic mix of African cinema, music, fashion, food, and art, all housed in one location.

The venue will feature EbonyLife Cinemas London, a 180-seater Nollywood theater, Turaka London for fine Nigerian dining, curated African fashion retail, an art gallery, live concerts, masterclasses, and a creative industry hub for networking and business opportunities.

With the launch of EbonyLife Place London, Mo Abudu is not just expanding a brand, she is redefining how African storytelling, culture, and entertainment take center stage on the global platform.

As the world watches, this venture could serve as a blueprint for future expansions into cities with significant African diaspora communities, reinforcing the long-term viability of Nollywood and African entertainment worldwide.