UK’s First Black and African Cinema Hub Opens in London

A landmark cultural complex dedicated to Black and African storytelling has opened in south-west London, marking a significant expansion of Nigeria’s creative influence into one of Europe’s leading film and arts capitals.

EbonyLife Place London, founded by Nigerian media entrepreneur Mo Abudu, was officially unveiled on Thursday near Nine Elms on Wandsworth Road. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan joined Abudu for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, describing the venue as a powerful bridge between Lagos and London, two global centres of creativity.

The multi-storey destination centres on the 160-seat Amani Auditorium — named after the Swahili word for peace and harmony — which is billed as the United Kingdom’s only cinema dedicated exclusively to African and Black film.

Its year-round programme will prioritise Nollywood productions alongside works exploring the Black experience from Africa, the Caribbean, the United States, the UK and the wider diaspora. Beyond screenings, the auditorium will host premieres, masterclasses, industry panels, live performances and special events.

Surrounding the cinema is a full cultural and lifestyle offering: the Afrobeat Restaurant serving Nigerian and African-inspired cuisine; the Fàhinti (or Fèhìntí) Lounge, whose Yoruba name means “to lean back and rest”; a bar; Zuri Retail, a boutique showcasing African and diaspora designers; and the Living Wall Gallery displaying contemporary African art.

Abudu, who was born in London and built her media empire in Nigeria, said the project grew from a clear need for dedicated spaces. “We don’t have enough spaces to serve black cinema in the United Kingdom… representation is so important to us,” she noted. She has described the venue as “rooted in Africa, inspired by London and open to everyone” — a place where film, fashion, food, music and art come together for discovery, connection and celebration.

ADVERTISEMENT

The London site largely mirrors the successful EbonyLife Place complex Abudu launched in Lagos in 2019 and was financed almost entirely by her EbonyLife Group. It occupies the former Lost Theatre and opens to the public this weekend with a programme of film screenings, live music, art exhibitions and food experiences running through Sunday.

The launch coincides with the BFI London Film Festival and Black History Month. Khan, who previously visited the Lagos venue during a trade mission to Africa, highlighted London’s position as Europe’s top film production location — ranking behind only Los Angeles and ahead of New York globally — and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to cultural investment.

The opening strengthens UK-Nigeria creative sector ties, including work under the Creative Industries Technical Working Group linked to the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership.

EbonyLife’s expansion is expected to create around 40 direct jobs in London while amplifying the international reach of Nigerian stories, talent and culture.

As audiences walk through the doors this weekend, EbonyLife Place London offers more than a cinema: it provides a permanent home for African creativity in the heart of the British capital, inviting the world to experience Nollywood and diaspora storytelling on their own terms.