In a historic moment for Nigerian talent, filmmaker Mo Abudu and Nigerian American chef Kwame Onwuachi have been recognized on Time Magazine’s prestigious 100 Most Influential People for 2025 list. The annual compilation honors individuals who have made groundbreaking contributions across industries, reshaping culture, driving innovation, and exhibiting unparalleled leadership on a global scale.
The 2025 Time 100 list, which was revealed on Wednesday, categorizes honorees into six key groups: Artists, Icons, Innovators, Titans, Pioneers, and Leaders. Both Abudu and Onwuachi have earned their places in this elite company, each making a mark in their respective fields.
Abudu, one of Africa’s most influential media moguls, was celebrated in the Leaders category. British actor Idris Elba, a longtime supporter of Abudu’s work, penned a heartfelt tribute, praising her unwavering commitment to reshaping the global narrative surrounding Africa through film and media.
Elba highlighted Abudu’s “infectious, can-do attitude” and lauded her drive to overcome obstacles in her quest to tell Africa’s stories on a global stage. “Mo, who launched the $50 million Afro Film Fund last year, cares deeply about the African narrative and how the continent and its people are portrayed onscreen,” Elba wrote. “Her sprawling empire—from studios and productions to cinemas and a creative academy—is a testament to her relentless tenacity and vision.”
Abudu’s work, from founding EbonyLife Media to spearheading numerous successful film and TV projects, has positioned her as a transformative figure in the African entertainment industry, empowering filmmakers and storytellers across the continent.
Meanwhile, Onwuachi was named an Innovator, a well-deserved recognition of his groundbreaking contributions to the culinary world. Actress Keke Palmer, who penned his tribute, commended Onwuachi for his passion, creativity, and commitment to elevating Black chefs in a space that has often overlooked their contributions.
“Kwame Onwuachi is the embodiment of brilliance, passion, and perseverance,” Palmer wrote. “From his West African roots to his upbringing in the Bronx, Chef Kwame has turned every challenge into opportunity, showing the world the power of culinary expression.” She went on to applaud his work at Dogon, the Afro-Caribbean eatery he opened in Washington, D.C. in 2024, which has become a cultural hotspot blending West African flavors with Caribbean influences.
Onwuachi’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring—navigating the often tough and competitive culinary world to bring African and Caribbean flavors to the forefront of the global dining scene. His impact is undeniable, proving that food can be a powerful medium for telling stories and creating spaces for cultural expression.
Both Abudu and Onwuachi join a prestigious list that includes groundbreaking figures from various fields. In 2024, Nigerian superstar Burna Boy was also included as an Icon, further solidifying Nigeria’s cultural influence on the world stage.
