Media mogul Mo Abudu has issued a passionate rallying cry to Africa’s creative industry following the announcement that streaming platform Showmax will shut down after a decade of operation.
In a statement released Thursday, the EbonyLife Group CEO addressed growing concerns over global streamers reducing investment across the continent. “Let me say this with complete sincerity. No one is coming to save us. It is up to us to build sustainable business models that truly work for our market,” Abudu declared.
Acknowledging the “very early days” for new indigenous Nigerian streaming platforms, Abudu reaffirmed commitment to EbonyLife ONPlus. “We understand that it is a long journey and we are prepared for the work and patience it requires,” she said.
Abudu emphasised Africa’s rich storytelling heritage, urging industry players to learn from global success stories while creating uniquely African pathways. “We must learn from global success stories, adapt what works, and create our own pathways because that is exactly what others have done.”
Framing the industry shake-up as an opportunity rather than a challenge, she outlined a dual strategy: “Local for Local. Local for Global.” Abudu concluded with a call for confidence, collaboration, and belief in Africa’s creative future.
