The story of Meet the Adebanjo’s began over 30 years ago when two men met on the plane from Nigeria to the UK. They just happened to sit next each other but over the 7 hour plane journey they developed a friendship that would last till today. They both only planned to stay in the country for a few years to study but one thing lead to another – they got married, children were born and they both ended up settling in Peckham, London
Debra Odutuyo – the creator of Meet the Adebanjo’s was the daughter of one of the friends. She had grown up in a loving family full of fun and laughs and as a producer wondered why this was not represented on UK TV. She wanted to do a sitcom which promoted family values, allowed people to laugh and which gave people an insight into her British African culture. She then spent a few years developing the concept and pitching it to major TV Networks.
Not deterred by their constant refusal, in 2009 she sold her car, moved out of her flat to raise the money to produce the series herself. It was just enough for one pilot but her determination and vision impressed a long childhood friend – the son of her Dad’s longtime friend who decided to set up a Production Company – MTA Productions LTD, to make her vision a reality. Within a few months they were able to raise the investment needed to produce a full season independently and the rest they say is the Meet the Adebanjo's you are watching today.
Debra's plan is to create a whole new industry in the UK where more quality programs such as Meet the Adebanjo's that reflect a culture not shown on UK TV can be made and shown around the world.
watch the episodes now
Meet the adebanjos
