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Mo Abudu is taking the EbonyLife Place concept beyond Nigeria, with a new London venue set to open in October 2026
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Located on Wandsworth Road, the development will combine cinema with culture and lifestyle, creating a space for African and Black films alongside food, fashion, music and art.
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The project will feature the 160-seat Amani Auditorium, alongside a restaurant, lounge, bar, retail space and gallery, designed to give visitors an experience beyond the cinema.
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The London project has been taking shape since Abudu acquired the property in March 2025, transforming what she described as a “blank canvas” into a new platform for African storytelling and creative talent.
August 11, (THEWILL) — Media mogul, Mo Abudu, has announced that EbonyLife Place London will officially open in October 2026, marking a major expansion of her entertainment brand into the United Kingdom.
Located on Wandsworth Road in London, the venue is being developed as a dedicated cinema and cultural hub for African and Black films, while also celebrating African food, fashion, music and art.
Abudu announced the opening on Monday, August 10, alongside a video documenting the transformation of the property since she acquired it in March 2025. She said the project had evolved from a “blank canvas” into a nearly completed venue, with the Amani Auditorium now taking shape.
“EbonyLife Place London will become the first cinema in the United Kingdom dedicated exclusively to African and Black films, while also creating a vibrant cultural hub celebrating our fashion, music, food and art”, she stated.
The venue will feature the 160-seat Amani Auditorium, designed with a vintage-inspired cinema aesthetic. Other spaces will include the Afrobeat Restaurant, Fèhintì Lounge, Maji Concession & Bar, Zuri Retail and The Living Wall Gallery.
The Afrobeat Restaurant will offer an African-inspired dining experience, while the Fèhintì Lounge will provide a space for socialising and networking. Maji Concession & Bar will serve refreshments, while Zuri Retail will showcase selected African fashion, beauty and lifestyle products.
The Living Wall Gallery will host art exhibitions and other creative displays, further connecting the venue with African artists and cultural initiatives.
The development marks a major expansion of EbonyLife Place beyond Nigeria. Its Lagos location has established itself as an entertainment and lifestyle destination combining cinema, hospitality, dining and cultural experiences.
With the London project, Abudu is taking the concept to an international audience while creating a dedicated platform for African and Black filmmakers and creatives. The venue is also expected to provide a space for African stories to reach wider audiences and encourage conversations around culture, identity and representation.
EbonyLife Place London is scheduled to open in October 2026.
Evi-Ben Ezaga is an entertainment and society writer with a passion for stories that explore culture, people, and the stories shaping society today.
