The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria commends Nigerian-American twin brothers, Joel and Jeffrey Ezugwu, for their innovative efforts to bridge Nigerian culture and the U.S. diaspora through their fast-growing digital platform, Zugu TV.
Launched in 2025, Zugu TV offers live broadcasts of Nigerian sports, Nollywood films, music, documentaries, and original programming to audiences across the United States fostering deeper cultural understanding and preserving the connection between Nigerians abroad and their homeland.
After relocating from Nigeria to Los Angeles at age 14, the Ezugwu brothers were struck by the lack of media content that reflected their African roots. “Telemundo exists for Latinos, BET for Black Americans, but there was nothing for Africans,” said Jeff. This inspired them to launch a platform that brings authentic African storytelling to screens across the U.S.
“There are millions of people like us,” added Joel. “Zugu TV gives them a chance to reconnect with the culture they love and remember.”
The Ezugwu brothers’ story highlights the invaluable role immigrant entrepreneurs play in the U.S. economy. While immigrants make up about 15% of the population, they contribute over 24% of new business creation, and an outsized share of innovation, according to recent data from the National Bureau of Economic Research.
Zugu TV is not only gaining traction with early subscribers it’s also becoming a hub for cultural education and community building. The platform features original shows like Nigeria Today, which explores everyday life in underrepresented Nigerian communities, shedding light on important issues such as access to clean water and electricity.
In August 2025, the Ezugwu brothers took part in the Umu Igbo Unite Convention in Dallas, Texas, as bronze sponsors. The convention brings together Igbo professionals from across the U.S. and beyond to celebrate heritage and strengthen diaspora networks.
With support from their operations manager Wisdom Mugudu, Joel and Jeff are scaling the platform and expanding their offerings showcasing the creativity, resilience, and global impact of Nigerian innovation.
“The culture is rising, the tech is ready, and our mission has never been clearer,” says Jeff.
The U.S. Embassy proudly recognizes the Ezugwu brothers as shining examples of the Nigerian-American entrepreneurial spirit connecting cultures, empowering communities, and shaping the future of media.
