Nigerian media mogul Mo Abudu has reacted strongly to reports that streaming platform Showmax may shut down, urging Nigerian and African creatives to stop relying on foreign companies and start building their own streaming platforms.
The EbonyLife Group founder shared the message on social media after news emerged that Canal+, the French media giant that recently acquired MultiChoice, is considering discontinuing Showmax as part of a broader digital strategy review.
Reacting to the development, Abudu said the situation should serve as a wake-up call for the African entertainment industry to take control of its future rather than depending on international streaming platforms.
According to her, the shutdown discussions highlight the risks of relying on foreign companies that may reduce investment or exit the African market at any time.
“No one is coming to save us. It’s up to us to build sustainable business models that truly work for our market,” she said.
The renowned filmmaker stressed that Africa has an abundance of culture, talent, and powerful stories that deserve global recognition, but the continent must create its own distribution systems to ensure those stories are properly showcased.
Abudu pointed to EbonyLife ON Plus, her own streaming platform, as an example of efforts already being made to build indigenous platforms that promote African content and give local creators more control over their work.
She admitted that building successful local streaming services will take time, patience, and collaboration but expressed optimism that the current situation could become an opportunity for African creatives to innovate and grow the industry.
The statement has sparked conversations across social media, with many Nigerians agreeing that the future of Nollywood may depend on stronger locally owned streaming platforms that can compete globally while serving African audiences.
