Over and over again, Mo Abudu keeps raising the bar and shattering the ceilings. You think you have seen it all and voila, she surprises us again. From the look of things, it is only going to get better and better as she is certainly going higher and higher.
Trust me; it wasn’t an error when Forbes Magazine named her ‘Africa’s most successful woman’ because with her latest feat, questioning this reality is a waste of time…don’t bother.
I mean, how do you explain it? How? That in the space of 4 years, EbonyLife Films has released films grossing record-breaking highs of 1.4 Billion Naira at the Box-office.
Little wonder she was awarded the Medailles d’Honneur at Cannes (and she is the first Nigerian and African recipient of this award), neither am I surprised she was recently selected to chair the 47th International Emmy Awards Gala in New York.
I have always attended premieres by EbonyLife since they started making films and when I realised the premiere of her latest production, directed by the dynamic Funke Akindele, Your Excellency, was going to be at her new luxury lifestyle and entertainment resort, EbonlyLife Place, I said to myself “She has done it again…we can’t catch up?”.
The stunning structure boasts of quality eateries, a totally indulgent 5 screen cinema experience, delightful boutique hotel with butler service, fine dining to quick bites, from poolside to rooftop, elegant event spaces for the most memorable occasions…name it, it is all in this venue.
Guests at the premiere did not run out of locations in the spectacular edifice to capture their moments. I have been looking through several pictures taken at the venue and I keep saying “oh whoa… same place?” for God knows how many times.
From 50 the movie to Wedding party (1&2), to The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, to Chief Daddy, to Òlòtūré and Your Excellency, Mo keeps letting the world know that indeed if you can think it, you can do it.
Talking about Òlòtūré, now, this is one everyone should see once it hits the cinemas in 2020. It was screened at the world-famous Carthage Film Festival. The festival was created in 1966, to bring African and Arab filmmakers together and to recognise their work. The premiere screening of Òlòtūré took place at Le 4ème Art Cinema, Avenue de Paris, Tunis on Thursday 31st October.
It takes place annually in the historic city of Tunis in Tunisia and from listening to her share about the process of making the film, watching her cry while sharing her narrative on the story to her audience; you can tell it is going to be everything outstanding as Mo is known for.
Òlòtūré tells the story of a young, naïve Nigerian journalist who goes undercover to expose the shady underworld of human trafficking. Unused to this brutal environment, crawling with ruthless traders and pimps, Òlòtūré finds warmth and friendship with Blessing, Linda and Beauty, the prostitutes she lives with. However, she gets drawn into their lifestyle and finds it difficult to cope. In her quest to uncover the truth, she pays the ultimate price – one that takes her to the verge of no return.
It really is encouraging to know, that despite varied opinions on Nigerians across the globe, one industry that keeps putting us out there and projecting our gifts positively is Nollywood. It is heartening to know that people like Mo Abudu are consistently telling our stories.
Back at the ranch, still on Ebonylife Place and Your Excellency, it is out in the cinemas already. Your Excellency tells the story of Chief Olalekan Ajadi, a bumbling, billionaire businessman and failed presidential candidate, who is obsessed with Donald Trump. Just when his campaign looks set to be another disaster, Ajadi is anointed by a major party and becomes a credible contender – all through the power of social media.
As the political drama unfolds, it seems possible that even the most inept candidate, with little to offer voters except viral soundbites, dance moves and amusing antics, can mount a serious challenge for the presidency.
It features Kemi ‘Lala’ Akindoju, Shaffy Bello, Kunle Coker, Eku Edewor, Emmanuel ‘EmmaOMG’ Edunjobi, Alexx Ekubo, Oreka Godis, Osas Ighodaro, Mike Iheuwa, Aletile ‘Seyi Law’ Lawrence, Bimbo Manuel, Deyemi Okanlawon, Ini Dima-Okojie, Chioma ‘Chigul’ Omeruah, Ikechukwu Onunaku, Helen Paul and Toni Tones.
Let’s support our own, go get your tickets at the cinemas and enjoy! Congrats once again Mo Abudu for this outstanding feat and double celebration of the opening of EbonyLife Place and the premiere of Your Excellency the movie. Higher heights we pray…soar on!
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