Mo Abudu Launches EbonyLife on Plus: An African Streaming Platform for 2025

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Mo Abudu, the powerhouse behind EbonyLife Media and a defining voice in African storytelling, is once again reshaping the continent’s entertainment landscape. The media mogul, producer, and trailblazer has announced the launch of EbonyLife on Plus. This revolutionary, membership-based streaming platform will deliver original African content across drama, movies, talk shows, lifestyle, fashion, and more.

Set for a soft launch in September 2025, EbonyLife on Plus marks the next chapter in Abudu’s ambitious mission: creating a thriving, self-sustained ecosystem for African creatives, both on the continent and in the diaspora.

 

A Home for African Voices

The new streamer arrives at a time when global media giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video have scaled back or completely withdrawn investment from Africa. Netflix reportedly halted development on Nigerian Originals, while Amazon Prime exited the African market entirely in 2024, leaving a creative vacuum.

But Abudu, ever the visionary, is ready to fill that gap.

“There’s a whole continent that needs to have a voice; their stories need to be told, and they are producing, but they no longer have a home for their productions,” she said in a recent interview with Variety. “A lot of people are turning to YouTube as an option, which shouldn’t be the only place.”

Unlike conventional streamers, EbonyLife on Plus is not trying to emulate Netflix or become a smaller version of Amazon Prime. Instead, it’s designed to foster community, culture, identity, and purpose with content that reflects authentic African experiences and aspirations.

 

What to Expect on EbonyLife on Plus

With a subscription price of $10/year for Nigerian users and $30/year internationally, EbonyLife on Plus promises a carefully curated library. Its launch slate will feature:

Original scripted content with stars like Omoni Oboli, Uzor Arukwe, Bolaji Ogunmola, Uche Jombo, Nancy Isime, and Daniel Effiong.

EbonyLife has recently acquired Nollywood Gold classics.

Licensed content from Sony Pictures featuring Black talent.

Lifestyle, reality, fashion, and Afro-dance specials, including a dance show hosted by Nigerian dance legend Kaffy.

Monthly masterclasses from Mo Abudu herself.

Two original podcasts: a revived “Moments With Mo” and a new show titled “What Do Women Really Think?”

Anticipated scripted series include:

“Hallelujah” is a compelling family drama set in a powerful Lagos church.

An untitled film starring Omoni Oboli as a media icon whose perfect life starts to unravel.

Plus, EbonyLife on Plus is working directly with three top YouTube creators, bringing them in-house to produce content tailored for a younger, digital-native audience.

“The new TikTok generation is looking for more exciting things than just the next drama,” Abudu says. “That’s why we’re leaning toward looking at Nigerian creators on YouTube.”

 

Beyond Streaming: An Ecosystem of Innovation

Abudu sees EbonyLife on Plus as more than a platform; it’s an incubator for Africa’s creative industry.

“My primary focus now is on building a thriving ecosystem, one that encompasses production, distribution, and capacity building, both across the continent and in the diaspora,” she says.

The platform will also include e-commerce, giving users access to curated African fashion from top designers. However, it won’t be open to just anyone:

“It won’t be a self-publishing platform—we want it to be highly curated and by invitation,” Abudu insists.

 

A Proven Track Record

Abudu’s EbonyLife Media is no stranger to success. It was the force behind Netflix hits like:

“Blood Sisters” pulled in over 11 million watch hours in its first week. 

“Òlòtūré” is a harrowing story about human trafficking.

“A Sunday Affair” is a romantic drama.

And “Death and the King’s Horseman”, the Wole Soyinka adaptation that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2022.

Another standout project, “Baby Farm”, co-produced by EbonyLife, became a breakout hit across Africa. Netflix later distributed it to English-speaking territories, where it cracked the Top 10 in countries including the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

“That tells you there is a big market and that people are ready to listen to our stories,” Abudu said.

 

The Bigger Picture

Beyond the launch, Abudu is already in talks with investors and working with a Nigerian financial advisory firm to raise capital for growth. She remains optimistic about Africa’s long-term potential, especially with moves like Canal+’s takeover of MultiChoice, Africa’s largest pay-TV service.

“By 2050, one in five people in the world is going to be an African,” she says. “We have the youngest youth demographic on the globe. So this is the future. Canal+ sees the future in Africa, and they’re right.”

 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is EbonyLife on Plus?

A: It’s a new membership-based streaming platform launched by Mo Abudu that will showcase Pan-African movies, series, talk shows, fashion, lifestyle, and podcasts.

Q: When will it launch?

A: The service will have a soft launch in September 2025.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: The yearly subscription is $10 for Nigerian users and $30 internationally.

Q: What kind of content will be on the platform?

A: EbonyLife on Plus will feature original scripted films and shows, Nollywood classics, licensed international content, podcasts, fashion e-commerce, dance specials, and masterclasses.

Q: Will Mo Abudu be featured on the platform?

A: Yes. She will deliver monthly masterclasses, host a revived “Moments With Mo” podcast, and curate content across the platform.

Q: Is EbonyLife on Plus competing with Netflix or Amazon?

A: No. Abudu says it’s not aiming to compete with global giants, but rather to provide a curated, community-driven platform for African creatives.