London Mayor, Sadiq Khan Opens Mo Abudu’s EbonyLife Place in London, Hails Hub as Home for African Creativity

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has officially opened EbonyLife Place London, the latest venture by Nigerian media entrepreneur Mo Abudu, describing it as a new home for African and Black creativity in the United Kingdom.

Khan attended the grand opening ceremony, where he cut the ribbon to mark the launch of the cultural and entertainment hub, which aims to showcase African talent across film, music, fashion, art and food.

In a post on X, the London mayor celebrated the cultural ties between Lagos and London, highlighting both cities’ positions as global centres of creativity.

“From Nollywood to London, the story continues. I’m delighted to welcome EbonyLife Place London, a new home for African and Black film, music, art, fashion and food. Proud to celebrate both Lagos and London, two global capitals of creativity,” Khan wrote.

Abudu, chief executive officer of EbonyLife Group, also announced the opening in an Instagram post, sharing a video showcasing the venue’s facilities and its vision of bringing African culture to a wider international audience.

She described the destination as a space “rooted in Africa, inspired by London” and open to everyone seeking to experience, discover and celebrate African creativity.

“Today is our Grand Opening, and we are opening the doors to a new destination for Black and African creativity, culture and connection in the heart of London,” Abudu said.

“A space rooted in Africa, inspired by London and open to everyone. A place where film, fashion, food, music and art come together. A place to experience, discover, connect and celebrate. We invite the world to come inside.”

EbonyLife Place London features several facilities designed to create an integrated cultural and entertainment experience. At the centre is the Amani Auditorium, a 160-seat cinema intended to host film premieres, screenings, performances, listening parties and special events. Abudu described it as home to the only Black and African cinema in the United Kingdom.

The venue also houses Maji Concession and Bar, which offers refreshments and drinks for cinema guests, alongside Zuri Retail, a curated space featuring African fashion, jewellery, beauty products and design.

Art is another key feature of the destination, with the Living Wall Gallery showcasing works by established and emerging African artists. The Fèhíntí Lounge provides a dedicated setting for visitors to relax, meet and socialise.

Located on Wandsworth Road in London, the venue is described as being a short distance from Nine Elms Underground Station, the new US Embassy and Battersea Power Station.

The opening marks another step in Abudu’s efforts to expand the global reach of African entertainment and storytelling by creating spaces where African culture can be experienced beyond the continent.

With its combination of cinema, retail, visual art, food and social spaces, EbonyLife Place London aims to bring African creativity into the heart of the British capital while encouraging cultural exchange between Africa and the wider world.

For Abudu, the vision is to create a destination where people from different backgrounds can connect through the richness and diversity of African culture.