Nigerian media entrepreneur Mo Abudu has opened EbonyLife Place London, a cultural centre dedicated to African and Black cinema. The venue officially opened on Thursday, October 8, 2026, in south-west London. Its 160-seat cinema, known as the Amani Auditorium, will screen Nollywood productions and films from across Africa and the Black diaspora.

The Amani Auditorium will showcase films from Nigeria and other African countries, as well as stories about Black experiences in Britain, the Caribbean and the United States. Its programme will include film premieres, industry discussions, masterclasses and live performances. Positioned as the UK’s first cinema dedicated exclusively to African and Black films, the venue offers filmmakers a place to reach audiences.

Photo: Instagram/@blackthingsuk

Beyond the cinema, the centre also houses The Afrobeat Restaurant, Fèhìntí Lounge and Maji Concession and Bar. At Zuri Retail, visitors will find fashion, jewellery, design and lifestyle products from African and diaspora designers. The Living Wall Gallery adds an art element to the venue, with contemporary African and diaspora art and photography on display.

Abudu’s decision to establish the centre is partly shaped by her childhood experiences in England. Speaking to AFP before the opening, the EbonyLife founder recalled having limited opportunities to watch Black films when she was younger. She said she wanted to create a place where audiences could experience African stories told by the people who understand them, rather than rely on outside portrayals of the continent.

Photo: Instagram/@moabudu

“It’s time to tell our own stories,” Abudu told AFP, describing her aim to introduce international audiences to African culture. The cinema will also give filmmakers a chance to present their work to London audiences.

The London opening follows the launch of EbonyLife Place in Lagos in 2019, which combines entertainment, hospitality and cultural activities.

Nigerian singer Ayra Starr brought Afrobeats to the NFL’s international stage on Sunday, October 11, 2026, performing ‘Rush’ and ‘Heaven Baby’ during halftime of the Philadelphia Eagles’ game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. The performance took place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where the singer became the first African artist to headline a halftime show at an NFL International Game.

Ayra Starr opened her set with ‘Heaven Baby’ before performing some of her other songs, including ‘Santa’, ‘Hot Body’, ‘Rush’ and ‘Dangerous’. She performed on a temporary stage at the centre of the stadium, bringing her music to spectators attending the American football fixture. The set featured songs from different points in her catalogue, giving the London audience an opportunity to experience her music beyond the streaming platforms.

Photo: Instagram/@hernetworkonline

Her appearance was part of the NFL’s expanded entertainment programme for its 2026 International Games. The league announced her as the headline performer in August, confirming that she would perform during the Eagles-Jaguars matchup. The 2026 programme includes seven halftime shows across seven countries and four continents as the NFL continues to stage regular-season games outside the United States.

‘Heaven Baby’ featured on Ayra Starr’s third studio album, Starrgirl, released on August 14, 2026. The album includes collaborations with British singer ZAYN, American singer Leon Thomas and Nigerian musician Wizkid. Her London performance came less than a week after the official music video for ‘Heaven Baby’ was released on October 5, giving the song another prominent platform during the album’s promotional period.

Photo: Instagram/@hernetworkonline

Meanwhile, ‘Rush’, released in 2022, remains one of the defining releases of Starr’s career. The song earned her a nomination in the Best African Music Performance category at the 2024 Grammy Awards, introducing her to a wider international audience. She received a second nomination in the same category in 2026 for ‘Gimme Dat’, her collaboration with Wizkid.

Ahead of the London appearance, Starr said she was excited to perform at the NFL halftime show and described bringing Starrgirl to the league’s global stage as a dream come true. NFL executive Tim Tubito also highlighted the singer’s connection with London audiences and the growing presence of African music in the international music scene.

Her appearance marked a historic moment for African music at the NFL International Games, bringing her songs to the London audience during one of the league’s regular-season fixtures.

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American R&B singer Brandy will headline Flytime’s House of R&B concert in Lagos on December 20, 2026. The Grammy-winning singer is scheduled to perform at the Eko Convention Centre, opening Flytime Promotions’ six-night programme for Lagos’s annual Detty December celebrations.

Brandy confirmed her appearance in a video message, inviting fans to attend the show and follow House of R&B on Instagram for updates. Sponsored by Glenmorangie, the concert will kick off the organiser’s festive programme, which runs through December 25.

Photo: Instagram/@newtralgroundz

Brandy rose to fame in the 1990s, building a career in both music and acting. Her layered harmonies and vocal delivery earned her the nickname “The Vocal Bible” among fans. Over the years, her music has influenced younger R&B singers and established her as a recognised name in the genre.

Her best-known songs include “The Boy Is Mine,” her Grammy-winning duet with Monica, alongside “Have You Ever,” “Almost Doesn’t Count” and “Full Moon.” These tracks helped define her career and remain popular among R&B listeners. Her Lagos appearance will give Nigerian fans an opportunity to hear the songs live.

Brandy has also received major recognition in 2026. She earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and received the Black Music Icon Award from the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective. She also published her memoir, Phases, which reflects on her life and career in entertainment.

Photo: Instagram/@houseofcyndarella

Following Brandy’s performance on December 20, the programme continues with Coca-Cola Rhythm Unplugged on December 21, Flytime Fest from December 22 to 24, and Flytime Circle on Christmas Day, December 25. All four events will take place at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos. The full line-ups for the remaining shows are yet to be announced.

Flytime founder and chief executive Cecil Hammond described Brandy as a fitting choice for House of R&B, citing her connection to the genre. Her booking adds an international star to Lagos’s December concert calendar, which attracts music fans from across Nigeria and beyond.

With the concert scheduled for December 20, fans can look out for ticket information and further announcements.