Mo Abudu, Funke Akindele, Tems, Kehinde Bankole and more! These are Nigeria’s 20 inspiring women shaping the entertainment industry

From visionary filmmakers to powerhouse performers, dynamic entrepreneurs to influential social media personalities, these twenty women stand as beacons of inspiration, each making significant contributions to the vibrant tapestry of Nigeria's entertainment scene. Join us on a journey celebrating their resilience, creativity, and indomitable spirit as they continue to shape and redefine the future of entertainment in Nigeria.

Funke Akindele
Funke Akindele-Bello: Funke Akindele-Bello, also known as Jenifa, is a versatile actress, producer, and comedian. Her portrayal of the character Jenifa in the popular television series of the same name catapulted her to fame and earned her numerous accolades. Akindele-Bello continues to break boundaries with her creative endeavors, including producing hit films and advocating for social causes. Her movie, ‘A Tribe Called Judah ‘smashed records no other Nollywood cinema has dared to achieve.

Mo Abudu

Mosunmola Abudu, popularly known as Mo Abudu, hails from Hammersmith, West London. After the loss of her father at a young age, she found strength in her family, particularly her mother, who recently celebrated her 80th birthday. Mo's roots trace back to Ondo Town in Nigeria, where she spent her childhood before returning to England. A mother of two and grandmother of two, Mo began her career in Human Resources before venturing into media.
She gained recognition with the syndicated talk show "Moments with Mo" and later founded EbonyLife TV, Africa's first global black entertainment network. As CEO of EbonyLife Media, Mo oversees various projects, including filmmaking, television production, and the EbonyLife Creative Academy. Her impact extends globally, earning her accolades and invitations to prestigious institutions like Harvard Business School. Mo's vision continues to shape the narrative of African storytelling, with plans to expand her influence across international platforms.

Bose Ogulu

Recognized affectionately as Mama Burna, she is a multifaceted Nigerian figure, serving as an academic, businesswoman, and talent manager. In her role as both mother and manager to the globally renowned musician Burna Boy, she has been instrumental in nurturing and steering his musical journey towards unparalleled achievements. Her significant contributions were duly acknowledged in 2023 when she received the prestigious History Maker Award at the Best of Africa Awards in London. This accolade stands as a testament to her profound influence within the music industry and her unwavering dedication to elevating African talent on the global platform.

Tems

Temilade Openiyi, known as Tems, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. She gained prominence after featuring on Wizkid's "Essence," reaching number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. Tems earned a Grammy nomination for the song and later collaborated with Drake on "Fountains." Her debut EP "For Broken Ears" released in 2020, followed by "If Orange Was a Place" in 2021 under RCA Records. In 2022, her vocals on "Higher" were sampled by Future on "Wait for U," debuting atop the Hot 100. Tems covered Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry" for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack and co-wrote Rihanna's "Lift Me Up." She won a Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance. Recognized for her breakthrough, she received a Billboard Women in Music Award in 2024. Tems' eclectic influences range from Destiny's Child to Burna Boy, shaping her distinct sound.


Biodun Stephen

She is the CEO of Shutterspeed projects, a creative film and video production company based in Lagos. She is an award-winning film director, writer and producer, and her artistic vision and storytelling prowess have earned her widespread recognition and numerous accolades within the industry.
Through her work, she has not only made a significant impact on the Nigerian film industry but has also helped to elevate its profile on the global stage. Her contributions as a filmmaker, entrepreneur, and visionary leader have paved the way for a new generation of storytellers and creatives, inspiring them to push boundaries, defy conventions, and pursue their artistic passions with courage and conviction.


Busola Tejumola
She is the Executive Head of Content & West Africa Channels, MultiChoice Nigeria Limited. As the Executive Head of Content and Channels West Africa at MultiChoice Group, she oversees the end-to-end delivery of engaging and diverse content for over 20 million subscribers across the continent.
She has more than 18 years of experience in research, strategy and content development, leading the production, acquisition, and distribution of the Africa Magic and Akwaaba Group Channels where she has devised and implemented innovative models that have contributed to the growth and profitability of the business, such as media licensing models, evaluation metrics, and deal terms. She is passionate about telling authentic and compelling stories that reflect the richness and diversity of Africa’s culture and people.


Bimbo Ademoye

Bimbo Ademoye is instantly recognizable by her signature baby pink iro and buba, blue head tie, and playful makeup, embodying her versatile acting range in Nollywood. She kicked off the year with her self-produced film "Lola’s Gift," airing on ROK, and launched her production company, A3 Studios. Following this, she starred in the Prime Video hit "Gangs Of Lagos," Biodun Stephen’s romantic comedy "Big Love," which streamed on Prime Video, and Netflix’s "Jagun Jagun." Her prolific output underscores her commitment to her craft, evident in the quality of her films.


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