Nigerian filmmaker and media entrepreneur, Mosunmola Abudu, popularly often called Mo Abudu, has been named amongst TIME Journal’s 100 Most Influential Folks within the World for 2025.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, and Abudu confirmed the information in a put up on her official Instagram web page, thanking supporters and trade colleagues.
In a tribute printed on TIME’s web site, British actor and director Idris Elba described Abudu as a lady with drive, grit, and unmatched power.
Elba, who’s at the moment working with Abudu on a movie titled Mud to Desires, stated the EbonyLife founder wastes no time in the case of constructing or creating.
“Anybody who has labored on something referring to African movie is aware of her. She will get issues carried out,” Elba wrote. “Mo cares deeply about how Africa is seen on display screen.”
Elba added that Abudu’s affect goes past films, noting her work throughout studios, cinemas, TV, and her movie academy. “Her success is proof that huge desires backed with motion can change the story,” he stated.
TIME additionally recognised Abudu’s $50 million Afro Movie Fund, launched final yr, geared toward supporting African filmmakers and strengthening the continent’s storytelling energy globally.
Abudu, in her response, stated being named on the checklist was a second of delight for Nigeria and all the African artistic trade.“Hi there, lovely folks. The 2025 #TIME100 checklist is out — and I’m deeply honoured to be included among the many 100 Most Influential Folks on this planet. Thanks, @TIME, for this unimaginable recognition.
“However this second isn’t nearly me — it’s a celebration of African creativity, Nigerian ardour and goal, and the facility of storytelling to form tradition, shift narratives, and drive actual affect. That’s the work we do at EbonyLife Media each single day.“It’s additionally about constructing capability for the long run — via the EbonyLife Artistic Academy, the place we practice the subsequent technology of filmmakers, and EbonyLife Place, the place creativity meets group via hospitality, leisure, and tradition,” she wrote
Through the years, she has constructed the EbonyLife model into one of many greatest leisure platforms in Africa, with content material on Netflix, Sony Footage, and BBC.
