Lisa Mugo
Hollywood actor Idris Elba, has teamed up with Nigerian media mogul Mo Abudu, to nurture African film and TV talent.
Elba, confirmed the news after he reposted an article with the caption “And so it begins. Excited to announce that @moabudu and I have joined forces to empower and uplift talent from Africa and the Diaspora… big things to come.”
The two will be joining forces through their production companies, Green Door Pictures and EbonyLife Media.
“I have always been passionate about using my platform to make a positive impact,” Elba said in a statement. “By partnering with Mo, we aim to offer free, world-class industry education to the next generation of storytellers and bring their authentic voices to the forefront.”
Abudu, had launched EbonyLife Creative Academy in 2021, which provides free film and TV industry education, mentorship and production training for 480 students every year. The academy offers different courses from script writing, acting and sound.
According to CNN, Abudu revealed that the multi award winning actor reached out to her about replicating the EbonyLifeCreative Academy model across the continent after seeing the impact of the original Lagos school. The duo’s goal is to roll out 10 to 15 more schools.
“There are stories that need to be told and I am pleased that together we can build a beautiful slate of projects that we can take to these streamers and broadcasters and we can say ‘Listen, the time is now,’” said Abudu.
