WATCH: EbonyLife Place London opens a new home for African culture
What happens when African stories get a space of their own in one of the world’s biggest cultural cities? This week, EbonyLife Place London opened its doors with a mix of film, art, fashion, food and music designed to bring people together.
Located in the Nine Elms area of south London, the new venue was founded by Nigerian media entrepreneur Mo Abudu, whose EbonyLife Group is known for its work in African film and entertainment.
The grand opening took place on Thursday,8 October 2026, with an opening weekend running from 9 to 11 October.
African stories take centre stage
At the heart of the venue is the 160-seat Amani Auditorium, dedicated to Black and African cinema. It is being positioned as the UK’s first cinema dedicated to these films, offering a platform for African storytelling, screenings, premieres and cultural events.
For African filmmakers and audiences, the idea goes beyond watching a movie. It is about seeing African lives, languages, histories and experiences represented on screen, rather than always being told through someone else’s lens.
More than a cinema
EbonyLife Place London brings several creative spaces under one roof. Zuri Retail will showcase fashion, accessories and lifestyle design from African and diaspora creatives, while the Living Wall Gallery features contemporary African and diaspora art.
Visitors can also gather at the Fèhìntí Lounge, whose name draws on a Yoruba expression associated with leaning back and resting, or visit Maji Concession and Bar. The wider venue also includes the Afrobeat Restaurant, which celebrates African culinary influences through contemporary dining.