EbonyLife partners Sony to produce TV series based on Dahomey Amazons

Indigenous TV network, Ebony Life and Sony Pictures Television (SPT) have sealed a partnership to develop a series largely based on the Dahomey Amazons.

The Dahomey Amazons were a feared Republic of Benin military unit consisting of female warriors.

The Nigerian production company on Wednesday signed a deal to co-develop three television projects for international distribution.

The three-project deal is the first of its kind between SPT and a Nigerian production company.

“Ever since our launch in June 2013, our vision has always been to change the narrative about Africa and to tell our stories from our perspective,” said Mo Abudu, chief executive officer, Ebony Life.

“We have invested in the creation of quality programming and the development of our people and their ideas. It is this ethos that has given us the opportunity to partner with a world-class organisation like Sony Pictures Television.

“Now we have the opportunity to bring the fascinating story of The Dahomey Warriors, and many others like it, to audiences around the world. It has been hard work getting here, but that’s what we are known for at Ebony Life.

“As I always say, ‘If you can think it, you can do it’.”

According to the joint statement released by Ebony Life and SPT, the “development on the Dahomey Warriors’ project will start immediately with further details of the two additional projects to follow”.

Wayne Garvie, president, international production, SPT, said: “Mo Abudu is one of the most formidable and creative figures in Nigerian television, and with EbonyLife her and the team are creating something that is truly ground-breaking and extraordinary.

“Our aim is to help EbonyLife create a portfolio of African content that will fulfill their aim of being one of Africa’s prime creator of premium content.”

EbonyLife is behind successful productions like ‘The Wedding Party’ and ‘Royal Hibiscus Hotel’.