Mo Abudu, the Nigerian filmmaker, and Kwame Onwuachi, the Nigerian-American chef, have been honoured in Time Magazine’s ‘100 most influential people for 2025’ list.
The annual recognition highlights individuals who have made extraordinary contributions across industries, shaping culture, innovation, and leadership worldwide.
The 2025 list, unveiled on Wednesday, categorises honorees into six groups: Artists, Icons, Innovators, Titans, Pioneers, and Leaders.
Abudu was named under the ‘Leader’ category, with British actor Idris Elba penning a tribute in her honour.
Elba praised her relentless drive and dedication to reshaping Africa’s global narrative through film and media.
“That’s the thing about Mo: she wastes no time. She has an infectious, can-do attitude and the tenacity to overcome any obstacle in her way,” he wrote.
“Her sprawling empire—from studios and productions to cinemas and a creative academy—is a testament to that.
“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.
“Anyone who wants to understand the filmmaking landscape in Africa—or anywhere else—could learn a lot from Mo, because she gets things done.”
Onwuachi, on the other hand, earned the title of an ‘Innovator’ with a tribute from Keke Palmer, the US actress.
The film star described Onwuachi as “brilliant, passionate, and perseverant”. She also commended his role in paving the way for black chefs in spaces where they had long been overlooked.
“Kwame Onwuachi is the embodiment of brilliance, passion, and perseverance. I’m talking about a chef whose heart, soul, and creativity shine through every dish he serves,” she 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.
“He’s rewriting the narrative in spaces that once overlooked Black chefs and has brought his story into each of his restaurants, including Dogon, the Afro-Caribbean eatery he opened in D.C. this past fall.”
See the full list here.
In 2024, the Nigerian singer Burna Boy was listed in the magazine’s annual compilation as an ‘Icon’.
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