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AN EXCLUSIVE INVITATION: THE GRAND OPENING WEEKEND OF EBONYLIFE PLACE LONDON WITH MO ABUDU [9TH -11TH OCTOBER]
Join us for an inaugural weekend from Friday 9th to Sunday 11th October, 2–10pm each day, where established stars meet emerging talent, iconic African creativity meets London.
A WORLD CLASS CULTURAL DESTINATION | CREATED BY MO ABUDU
Founded by global media entrepreneur Mo Abudu, recognised by TIME100 among the world’s most influential people and named by Forbes among the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women, EbonyLife Place London opens its doors as a landmark destination.
Created by the EbonyLife Group, the venue brings together bold storytelling, exceptional experiences and contemporary African creativity in a world class destination designed to welcome audiences from London and around the world.
Following the landmark VIP opening, today is all about discovery. Celebrating Nigerian excellence and the very best of African creativity, we have an incredible day planned. To ensure you don't miss a moment, here are your programme highlights for Saturday 10th October.
The Afternoon
2:00 PM – DJ Performance: Like Flo
2:00 PM onwards – Venue Tours: Explore EbonyLife Place London
3:15 PM – Sneak Preview: The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives
4:00 PM – Short Film Screening: BreastMilk
5:00 PM – Yhumie Sax | Live Performance
5:30 PM – Short Film Screening: Mr Bold
The Evening
6:30 PM – Yhumie Sax | Live Performance (Tribute to Fela)
7:00 PM – Short Film Screening: Hussaini
8:00 PM onwards – DJ Performance: Like Flo
Throughout the Day Immerse yourself in the full EbonyLife Place experience. Discover contemporary African fashion and design at Zuri Retail, explore exceptional art at The Living Wall Gallery, enjoy delicious dining at The Afrobeat Restaurant, and unwind with signature cocktails at Maaji Bar.
As you explore today, we'd love for you to share your experience. Follow us at @ebonylifeplacelondon on Instagram, tag us in your photos and stories, and be part of our community from day one.
EXPERIENCE DISCOVERY FIRST
Be among the first to experience EbonyLife Place London, a new home for film, dining, music, art, fashion and culture.
Proudly home to the UK’s first Black and African cinema, EbonyLife Place London offers a distinctive new cinematic and cultural experience in the capital, welcoming guests from across the diaspora, and all those with an interest in Africa and its creative culture.
Located in the Nine Elms area of South London, it is just minutes from Central London and close to Battersea Power Station and the U.S. Embassy.
HOSTED BY MO ABUDU & CULTURAL VISIONARIES
Throughout this landmark opening weekend, Mo Abudu will be in residence alongside leading cultural tastemakers, filmmakers and creative pioneers. Guests will be welcomed to the space and invited to experience curated tours offering behind-the-scenes insights into the vision, art, design and architecture of EbonyLife Place London.
Discover an ecosystem where established icons meet the next generation of creative voices.
THE GRAND OPENING LINEUP: ESTABLISHED STARS & NEW SOUNDS
Music sits at the heart of our proposition, built around a simple promise:
Established stars. New talent. We discover them first.
Across all three days, guests will experience a vibrant programme of live music, Afrobeat, Motown old school classics and contemporary African sounds.
FEATURED PERFORMERS
RIC HASSANI | THE AFRICAN GENTLEMAN
International singer, songwriter and musician Ric Hassani brings his distinctive blend of African R&B, soul, reggae and pop to the opening weekend. Known for projects including The African Gentleman and Lagos Lover Boy, Ric’s soulful vocals and romantic storytelling promise an unforgettable live performance.
LLONA | THE NEXT GENERATION OF AFRO FUSION
Rising Afro fusion artist Llona embodies our spirit of discovery. Following his debut album Homeless and sophomore project On The Road, Llona brings his deeply personal lyricism, powerful vocals and global following to the EbonyLife Place London stage.
YHUMIE OYELADE | FELA, MOTOWN & AFROBEAT
Across all three days, saxophonist, composer and multi instrumentalist Yhumie Oyelade will take audiences on a dynamic musical journey through Afrobeat, Motown and jazz.
His performances will include a special saxophone tribute to Fela Ransome Kuti, soulful interpretations of Motown old school classics and vibrant Afrobeat favourites.
MS DSF | DJ SET
Setting the musical tone throughout the weekend, MS DSF will bring a curated mix of classic Afrobeat anthems, contemporary African sounds and Motown favourites to the EbonyLife Place London experience.
EXPERIENCE EBONYLIFE PLACE LONDON
THE AMANI AUDITORIUM
Named after the Swahili word for peace, the 160 seat Amani Auditorium features rich vintage red seating and velvet curtains. Designed as a versatile platform for cinema, industry panels, live acoustic sessions, keynotes and Mo Abudu Masterclasses, the auditorium will host selected short film screenings throughout the weekend, alongside an exclusive 15 minute sneak peek of The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives, an Official Selection at both the Toronto International Film Festival and the BFI London Film Festival.
THE AFROBEAT RESTAURANT
An intimate 40 seat restaurant celebrating the rich culinary heritage of Africa through contemporary dining. The menu brings together bold flavours, indigenous spices and modern techniques, creating a distinctive culinary experience inspired by the continent.
FÈHÌNTÌ LOUNGE
Named after the Yoruba phrase meaning “leaning back in comfort,” Fèhìntì is an intimate and elegant space designed for pre show drinks, evening cocktails and meaningful connections. Guests can enjoy bespoke small plates and a carefully curated drinks menu in a relaxed, sophisticated setting.
MAJI CONCESSION & BAR
Named after the Swahili word for water, Maji brings a distinctive social dimension to the cinema experience. Expect gourmet artisan popcorn, African inspired spice blends, light bites and a selection of drinks to enjoy before or after a screening.
THE LIVING WALL GALLERY
Curated by Dr Hassan Aliyu, President of the Nigeria Art Society UK and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, the Living Wall is a dynamic exhibition space showcasing contemporary African and diaspora art and photography.
The gallery provides a platform for both emerging and established artists, creating an evolving visual experience within the heart of EbonyLife Place London.
ZURI RETAIL CONCEPT STORE
Curated by Zinna “Ozinna” Anumudu, founder of The Style Concierge and Ozinna.com, Zuri presents a fashion forward edit of high end fashion, accessories and lifestyle design.
With a focus on discovering and championing contemporary African designers, Zuri offers guests the opportunity to experience and purchase the next generation of African creativity.