Nigerian media entrepreneur Mo Abudu has called for more dedicated platforms to showcase African and Black stories, saying greater control over storytelling is important in challenging racism and addressing the underrepresentation of the community.

Abudu made the remarks in an interview with BBC Africa, shared on the broadcaster’s X page on Friday, as she opened a permanent cinema in London dedicated to African and Black films.

She said the initiative was designed to give African stories a lasting home while creating opportunities to showcase the continent’s culture, creativity and identity to a wider audience.

“You know, racism really is real. And the only way to deal with racism is to deal with racism, and it’s by providing a different narrative,” she said.

According to Abudu, the venue will go beyond film screenings to celebrate other aspects of African culture, including food and fashion.

“This just gives a permanent 24-7 home to our films, to our food, to our fashion,” she said.

She explained that the cinema was not intended to prevent African and Black films from appearing on mainstream platforms. Rather, it would provide a dedicated space where their stories could be told and shared, particularly given their continued underrepresentation.

“It’s not to say that Black and African films can’t sit on other platforms, but I think predominantly because we’re so underrepresented, we need to create spaces where we feel safe and where our content can be shared amongst us,” she added.

Abudu also stressed that the initiative would welcome audiences from different backgrounds, noting that having greater control over African narratives would help the rest of the world better understand the continent and its people.

“And also we want to invite the rest of the world in. And the only way that you can achieve that is by being in charge of that narrative,” she said.

Reflecting on her upbringing in England, the media executive recalled feeling the pressure to represent Africa and Nigeria in conversations where she was often confronted with what she described as ignorant questions and remarks.

She said such experiences sometimes left her and others feeling compelled to ignore offensive comments and move on rather than challenge them.

“People would sometimes say pathetic things to you, and you kind of just like swallow it and move on,” Abudu said.

Her comments highlight the importance of creating platforms where Africans and people of African descent can tell their own stories, challenge stereotypes and present their experiences from their own perspectives.