Los Angeles, California — For twin brothers Joel and Jeffrey Ezugwu, moving from Nigeria to Los Angeles at age 14 came with a cultural gap they didn’t expect — the absence of a central platform for African television content.
“Telemundo serves the Latino community, BET serves Black Americans, but for Africans, there’s nothing,” says Jeff.
Now 30, the brothers are determined to change that. This summer, they launched Zugu TV, a streaming platform delivering live broadcasts from Nigeria, including sports, entertainment, and cultural programming. Their goal: to reconnect Nigerians abroad with the culture they grew up in — and introduce it to younger generations who’ve never lived in the country.
“There are a lot of people like us,” says Joel. “We wanted to create a space where they can see and feel home again.”
A Vision for African Content Abroad
The Ezugwu brothers, serving as co-CEOs, have already secured early subscribers and are now seeking outside investment to expand their offerings. Planned content includes popular Nigerian reality shows like “Big Brother Naija,” Nollywood films, African music videos, documentaries, and original productions such as Nigeria Today, which will spotlight life in underdeveloped urban communities where access to electricity and clean water remains scarce.
Working alongside operations manager Wisdom Mugudu, the team is actively promoting the platform within Nigerian communities in the U.S.
“Many have been away from home for 15 or 20 years,” says Mugudu. “They still crave that raw, authentic cultural connection.”
Part of a Bigger Immigrant Entrepreneur Story
The Ezugwus’ venture reflects a broader trend of immigrant-driven innovation in the United States. While immigrants make up roughly 14–15% of the U.S. population, they account for 24.2% of new business owners, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research. Many, like the Ezugwu brothers, are finding opportunities by addressing cultural and market gaps.
“Leaving everything behind and starting fresh in a new country takes determination — and that’s a core part of entrepreneurship,” says Steve King, founder of Emergent Research.
Studies show immigrant entrepreneurs disproportionately contribute to innovation, intellectual property, and high-growth companies. In fact, 44% of U.S. unicorn startups (valued at $1 billion or more) have at least one immigrant founder, according to Crunchbase.
Raising Awareness and Building Community
To strengthen their presence in the Nigerian diaspora, Zugu TV became a bronze sponsor of the 2025 Umu Igbo Unite Convention, held August 7–10 in Dallas, Texas. The annual gathering celebrates Igbo culture while fostering networking among professionals from across the U.S. and abroad.
“The culture is rising, the tech is ready, and our mission has never been clearer,” says Jeff.
With their mix of cultural pride, business drive, and technological vision, Joel and Jeffrey Ezugwu are betting that Zugu TV will become the go-to home for African content in America — and a digital bridge between the diaspora and the continent.
