Talkshow producer and host, Mo Abudu, inspires new entertainment ideals as she unveils EbonyLife TV in Lagos, AKEEM LASISI writes
Call it payback time for seasoned producer and presenter, Mo Abudu, and you may not be wrong. From the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Forbes Media, Steve Forbes, state governors, corporate executives to leading lights in the Nigerian entertainment industry, the world practically applauded her recently when her new brain child, EbonyLife TV, was inaugurated in Lagos.
It was a dream come true for Abudu when the international TV channel was unveiled amidst inspiring talks, tributes and performances by artistes from different genres and generations.
The calibre of artistes that mounted the stage at the event, anchored by award-winning act, Darey Art–Alade, and Dolapo Oni, speaks volumes about the status of the channel and its promoters. Indeed, to lovers of Nigerian music, the most memorable aspect may be the performances where old-wines-are-tasty artistes paired up with their reigning contemporaries.
In what, for instance, foretells the new face of collaboration that will spice up the industry, Banky W, Tiwa Savage, King Sunny Ade, Onyeka Onwenu and Seun Kuti tickled the guests in a manner that portrays music as a relay race. MI and Obey also graced the stage together, while highlife icon Victor Olaiya and African Queen legend TuFAce; Omawunmi and Onyeka Onwenu; as well as WizKid, KSA; and TuFace followed suit.
EbonyLife TV’s journey to the grand launch held at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, had been memorable. First, the TV channel found a home at the ultra-modern Tinapa Studio, Calabar, Cross River State. In the past two years, it has built a rich stock of contents, ranging from reality shows to films, comedy talk magazine and TV dramas.
Abudu has also attracted experts in various areas of TV business to the EbonyLife fold. It was after achieving these that she blew the whistle that drew the top crowd to the event where President Goodluck Jonathan was represented by the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku.
In a post-event statement from the organisers, they note that the inauguration unfolded according to their expectations.
They recall, “The evening was a compelling amalgam of the rich, the famous, the beautiful and the successful, all eagerly awaiting the beginning of the show that would herald the landmark launch of Africa’s first Global Black Entertainment Channel, EbonyLife TV Channel 165 on DStv.”
Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke, his predecessor, Donald Duke; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga; Multichoice Nigeria Managing Director, Mr. John Ugbe; Executive Director, EbonyLife TV, Mr. Lanre Olusola, among others, also graced the occasion. Expressing support for the brand, they said the Abudu-led team was capable of positively affecting the industry globally.
Abudu thanked them for the confidence they have in the company.
She said, “From dream to reality, EbonyLife TV would never have been possible without the invaluable support of a host of individuals and brands too numerous to mention now. However, I would specifically like to thank First Bank Plc for their investment and belief in us. I want to thank them immensely for helping us realise our dream. To everyone else who has stood tenaciously by us, we appreciate you for coming along with us on this exciting mission of telling Africa’s stories with passion, soul and sincerity. Thank you and thank you again.”
But the inauguration was also a celebration of fashion. In line with its “Past, Present and Future” theme, Deola Sagoe staged a commemorative ensemble that showcased three generations of of classic African haute couture by Odua Creations.
The programme also featured the presentation of EbonyLife TV Awards to personalities who, according to Abudu, wield influence on the media, entertainment, business, political and economic landscapes of the African continent. The awardees include President Jonathan – for his administration’s support for the Nigerian media and entertainment Industry; MD of the Sahara Group, Tonye Cole, for his contribution to the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry; Joke Silva, for her contribution to the development of the film and TV Industry in Africa; KSA, Obey, Onyeka Onwenu, Olaiya and Tuface, for their contributions to the development of African music; as well as DeolaSagoe, for her contribution to the development of the African fashion industry.
Multichoice Africa CEO, Nico Meyer, and another official of the company, Mgqibelo Gasela, were also present.
Among other stakeholders that spoke at the event, the Managing Director of Sahara Group, Tonye Cole, noted that EbonyLifeTV has come up with in the short space of time astounding.
“As I sat and watched the unfolding of that reality, I was once again reminded of just why we are a great people who can achieve greatness with hard work, passion and belief. She made me proud to be African,” he said.
Corporate Services Executive at MTN, Mr. Wale Goodluck, also noted that the launch was exciting and a promise that the TV channel will be successful. He added, “I thought it was an excellent evening. Mo has indeed raised the bar again.”
In one of her recent productions, EbonyLife TV sought to add a strident voice to the global fight against domestic violence by producing another reality programmes, Screen Divas.
It offers the viewers a glimpse into the world of four of popular Nollywood stars, FunkeAkindele, Rita Dominic, Kate Henshaw and Uche Jombo. “It showcases not only the glitz, glam, and gloss, but the struggles of their interesting lives outside the regular world of make-believe,” the producers say.
Screen Divas came on the heels of Sistaz, another of EbonyLife TV’s flagship programme.