Nigerian media entrepreneur Mo Abudu is launching EbonyLife Place London, a cultural venue bringing African and Black cinema together with food, fashion, music, and contemporary art.
The grand opening is scheduled for Thursday, 8 October, followed by a public opening weekend from Friday, 9 October, to Sunday, 11 October.
In her official announcement, Abudu said Thursday’s launch would be strictly by invitation. Its planned programme includes film previews, short films, music performances, and a tribute to Fela Kuti.
What visitors can expect
QEDNG reported that the opening weekend would run from 2pm to 10pm each day, with screenings, DJs, live performances, dining and art.
The venue includes the Amani Auditorium, Afrobeat Restaurant, Fèhìntì Lounge, a bar, Zuri Retail, and the Living Wall Art Gallery.
The programme brings several forms of African creativity into one space, allowing visitors to experience film alongside fashion, food, and visual art.
A London home for African storytelling
Abudu acquired the London property in March 2025 and developed it into a cinema and cultural destination, according to QEDNG.
The project extends the concept behind EbonyLife Place in Victoria Island, Lagos, which opened in 2019 and combines cinema, dining, hospitality, and entertainment facilities.
In an interview with AFP, published by KBC, Abudu said her aim was to give African stories and creativity greater visibility in the British capital.
The report describes a boutique featuring designers from Africa and its diaspora, with paintings by artists from across the continent displayed throughout the venue.
Who can attend?
The invitation-only launch and the advertised public weekend are separate events. Readers planning to visit should check the arrangements for their chosen screening or activity.
AFP reported that the venue would operate a membership scheme, although its details had not yet been announced. Abudu said membership would be open to everyone, without restrictions based on ethnicity or nationality.
The regular cinema programme was also still being finalised at the time of AFP’s report.
Why it matters to Africa and the diaspora
For African filmmakers, artists, and designers, a dedicated London venue could provide another route to audiences beyond the continent.
For diaspora communities, it offers a place to encounter familiar stories and discover work from other African cultures. Its wider significance will depend on the range of programming, accessibility, and opportunities it provides for creatives over time.
The opening establishes the venue. Its continuing programme will determine how that ambition develops.
