Precious 'Mamazeus' Nwogu

<p>Nollywood star actress Nse Ikpe-Etim recently teased fans with a poster of her Hollywood feature 'The American King' where she stars alongside singer, Akon. </p>

<p>It appears that the film shot sometime in 2020 is getting a Nigerian theatrical release. </p>

<p>Directed by Nigerian filmmaker, Adah Obekpa, the fish-out-of-water comedy follows the story of Sebastian an ex-con who gets an unbelievable offer to escape his woes courtesy of a mysterious high Priestess who seeks to fulfil a 400-year-old prophecy: choose an American who will become King of an ancient African kingdom, and restore it to the global superpower it once was.</p>

<p>The film which was shot in both Nigeria and the Los Angeles is set to be distributed by Silverbird Distributions and will premiere on March 4, nearly a month after its limited release in the United States. </p>

<p>'The American King' also stars Andrew Howard, Nick Moran, Massi Furlan, Eyninna Nwigwe, Nathin Butler, Miguel Nuñez Jr. and is produced by Joan McCarthy and Adah Obekpa who also gets credits for the film's screenplay. </p>

The American King directed by Adah Obekpa [Instagram]

The Adah Obekpa directed comedy is set to premiere in Nigeria this March.

Watch Nse Ikpe-Etim, Akon in the official trailer for 'The American King'

Temi Iwalaiye

<p>The Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) had movie lovers, moviemakers and actors come together to discuss filmmaking in Africa.</p>

<p>Many actors stepped out in styles, here are some looks we love;</p>

<p>For the opening night, <strong>Sharon </strong> showed up in a power suit from <strong>Hertuba.&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Bisola</strong> was sweet, flirty and girly in this off-shoulder gown.</p>

<p><strong>Nse</strong> was lounge ready in her nude two-piece.</p>

<p><strong>Mo’s </strong>adire two-piece is something we would not mind recreating. Totally gorgeous.</p>

<p>Inidima looks absolutely stunning in this oversized suit.</p>

Bisola and Sharon look beautiful [instagram]

We loved some looks from the AFRIFF festival.

Looks we loved from the AFRIFF movie festival

<p>Recently released TV shows like 'Castle &amp; Castle',' Smart Money Woman', 'King of Boys' and even the critically acclaimed movie, 'Lion Heart' portray women as powerful immutable forces and high powered executives with influential positions. .</p>

<p>Workwear looks have moved away from conventional black suits to well-tailored, striking, yet not over the top or unprofessional dresses and suits.</p>

<p>Who does the costume designer go to for these high powered women outfits?</p>

<p>In 'Castle &amp; Castle', a Lagos based law firm is run by a husband and wife,<strong> Tega </strong>and <strong>Remi Castle. </strong></p>

<p>Remi is played by <strong>Dakore Egbuson, </strong>for some of her outfits she wears <strong>Lady Biba’s</strong> corporate gowns and suits. Every time, Remi is on our screens, her outfit reminds us that she is the boss.&nbsp;</p>

Dakore Egbuson in Lady Biba on Castle & Castle [Instagram/Lady Biba]

<p>'Smart Money Woman' is a series adaptation of the same-titled book by <strong>Arese Agwu </strong>dealing with the lives of women in Lagos trying to navigate their finances and relationships. A lot of the outfits are from the corporate clothing brand, <strong>Lady Biba</strong>.</p>

Lala Akindoju in Lady Biba for Smart Money Arese [Instagram/Lady Biba]

<p>Lady Biba captures what it means to be a working-class, fashionable woman with classic wears that are so popular among famous personalities like <strong>Adesua Etomi, Idia Aisien, Dorathy Bachor </strong>and <strong>Diane Russet.</strong></p>

<p>In<strong> ‘Lion Heart’, </strong>starring <strong>Genevieve Nnaji, Pete Edochie</strong> and a host of other legends in the movie industry, Genevieve sought the help of designer <strong>Elvira Jude</strong>.</p>

<p>In the movie, Genevieve <strong>(Adaeze Obiagu</strong> in the movie) attempts to save her ailing father’s transport company from collapsing.</p>

<p>Jude understood the essence of a powerful woman in calm hues and structured outfits.</p>

<p>Finally, in King of Boys,<strong> Jumoke Randle</strong> played by <strong>Nse Ikpe-Etim</strong> is a woman desperately trying to ensure her husband does not lose the election.&nbsp;</p>

Nse Ikpe-Etim outfits reflected her role [instagram/nse]

<p>She is ready for battle in corporate attires with slightly exaggerated sleeves, bright colours and fiercely red lipstick.</p>

<p>Costuming is the important because costumes tell stories. The right costume portrays movie characters correctly and, undoubtedly the costume designers and fashion designers understood the assignment in these movies.</p>

Women are acting as powerful characters in Nollywood movies and their outfits should match the role.

The designers used to portray high-powered women in Nollywood movies and series

<p>A fascinating part of any movie is the costume, which depicts and reinforces a story. We know more about a character and their status in life by their costumes.</p>

<p>When the director of King of Boys, <strong>Kemi Adetiba </strong>announced that the anticipated sequel was a mini-series and not a movie, we leapt for joy in anticipation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now you might be wondering if the mini-series has lived up to the hype. Certainly, it has. King of Boys 2 has been trending on social media since its release on Friday, August 27, 2021.</p>

<p>Every character’s outfit suited their personality but, of course, the star of the show<strong> Sola Sobowale </strong>who played the character of <strong>Alhaja Eniola Salami </strong>stole the spotlight in her fire outfits.</p>

<p>To pursue the vision of the styling, Adetiba sought the input of stylists <strong>Elegante by Tiannah</strong> and <strong>Abaya Lagos</strong>. </p>

<p>These two fashion houses came together to give us an explosive combination that portrayed Salami as a powerful woman.</p>

<p>The regal Abaya and mesmerizing hairband were striking and exuded upper-class aura.</p>

<p>The first time we see Salami, she is wearing a pristine white gown with a collar and we had no choice but to stan.</p>

<p>In a lunch meeting with the First Lady of Lagos State <strong>Jumoke Randle </strong>played by<strong> Nse Ikpe-Etim</strong>, Salami wore a blue Abaya with beads at the wrists from Abaya Lagos and, a blue turban.</p>

Sola is regal in this abaya from abaya Lagos [instagram/solosobowale]

<p>For the scene of her seating at the table, she wore an embroidered blazer and skirt from <strong>Elegante by Tiannah</strong> and of course a turban that made her look like royalty.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ</strong>: <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/kob-the-return-of-the-king-pulse-movie-review/wpqwpt2">Review of King of Boys 2</a></p>

<p>Another character whose outfits suited her personality was the wife of the executive Governor of Lagos State in the movie. </p>

<p>In almost every scene, Nse had fiery red lipstick which made gave her this formidable look.</p>

<p>The power suits and gowns with puffy sleeves she wore unquestionably exuded arrogance. </p>

<p>A favorite look of hers would be the one she wore to visit the character known as <strong>Aare </strong>(played by <strong>Akin Lewis</strong>) in prison.</p>

<p>She wore a glistening green skirt suit with dramatic sleeves, plunging neckline and a little black hat that was perfectly dramatic.</p>

<p>One criticism would be the robe of Reverend Ifeanyi that was a bit unrealistic and tacky.</p>

Sola Sobowale the King of Boys with director Kemi Adetiba [instagram/tiannahstyling]

How was the costume in King of Boys 2? Was it on point or, did they miss the mark?

King of Boys 2: Was the costume on trending mini-series spot on? [Pulse Review]

<p><strong>Nse Ikpe-Etim</strong> undoubtedly won many hearts with her performance in <strong>Kemi Adetiba's</strong> newly released 'King of Boys: The Return of the King'. It is no wonder the character trended for days after its August 27 Netflix premiere. </p>

<p>Starring as the larger-than-life first lady <strong>Jumoke Randle</strong>, Nse's character proved to be a worthy villain matched against<strong> Eniola Salami (Sola Sobowale). </strong></p>

<p>With a career spanning over a decade in Nollywood, Ikpe-Etim is easily one of the best in the game. Yet, she admits starring in the limited series came with bouts of self doubt and immense fear. </p>

<p>In this exclusive interview with Pulse, the star actress talks about struggling with the pressure to deliver on a monumental project as 'King of Boys: The Return of the King'. </p>

<p><strong>What was your first reaction when you got contacted to play Jumoke Randle?</strong></p>

<p><em>"I was shocked because it had taken over seven months to get a call back from Kemi after my reading. I kept asking 'why did she pick me?' 'why me?' 'No, I can't do this'. But I was happy cause this was monumental for me, for my career, people I was going to work with and there was joy but there was also fear. </em></p>

<p><em>"But I never discount my fear because I think my fear drives me. So yes, there was that and it was an honour."</em></p>

<p><strong>What did you find most frightening about playing Jumoke Randle?</strong></p>

<p><em>"I had never ever been in anything politically inclined and so having to be in a space where it wasn't a romcom, it wasn't pure drama, it was so different with its theme, a different hue, different everything. </em></p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ: </strong><a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/king-of-boys-toni-tones-details-injuries-from-filming-film-and-series/5l4kbg8">I gained 40 pounds, damaged my voice box filming 'King of Boys' - Toni Tones [Pulse Interview] </a></p>

<p><em>For me, it was like putting a fish out of water and asking them to just dance like it was swimming. But I am thankful to the people I have had to work with, for the director, thankful for everybody because they helped."</em></p>

<p><strong>Did you feel any form of pressure to deliver especially with the buzzing fan expectation?</strong></p>

<p>"As a new entry to the KOB army and family, it was pressure for me to step up and match up what had already been done and even better my own personal work. Because an actor is only judged by his last project. So for me, it had to be more than amazing. But I cannot imagine the pressure they felt because they had already done one part with everyone going mental on Twitter and all. For me, it was more personal."</p>

<p>'King of Boys: The Return of the King' premiered exclusively on Netflix on August 27, 2021. The limited series is Netflix first Nigerian original series.  </p>

Nse Ikpe-Etim as Jumoke Randle in 'KOB' series [Nseikpeetim]

The star actress stars as First Lady Jumoke Randle in the Netflix limited series.

King of Boys: Nse Ikpe-Etim says she battled bouts of intense fear while filming [Pulse Interview]

<h1>Nse Ikpe-Etim might be writing a book soon! The Nollywood actress recently revealed  plans to share her nearly a decade long acting career in an e-book.  </h1>

<p>Taking to her Instagram page, the actress who has been in over a dozen Nollywood movies asked her fans to share characters she has played over the years that they fell in love with. This, she revealed, will help in the compilation of an e-book detailing her acting style and processes. </p>

<p><em>"I may just be writing an e-book about my acting process soon. So if there's any character you loved and you'll like to know how I became them, tell me and I will consider telling you about them",</em> Ikpe-Etim wrote. </p>

<p>In addition to acting, the actress recently <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/nse-ikpe-etim-debutsmy-fertility-path-a-talk-show-on-fertility/86w12lv">explored her broadcasting abilities with a talk show titled 'My Fertility Path'</a>. The show premiered exclusively on EbonyLife TV in 2020. </p>

The Nollywood actress has hinted on writing an e-book on acting.

Nse Ikpe-Etim says she's ready to share her acting process in an e-book

<h1>Nse Ikpe Etim has announced she will be taking a role in the highly anticipated sequel to Kemi Adediba's crime thriller, 'King of Boys'.</h1>

<p>The actress made the announcement via Instagram post shared on Monday August 17. She shared: <em> "It's official. I am joining the King of Boys’ family on its sequel. Thank you&nbsp;@kemiadetiba&nbsp;for your inspiring work and I cannot wait to create magic with you and the rest of the team".</em></p>

<p>According to director, <strong>Kemi Adetiba</strong>, the actress will play the role of <strong>Jumoke Randle. </strong>The filmmaker reposted Ikpe-Etim’s announcement with the caption: <strong>“</strong><em>Been wanting to work with you, Nse for SO SO long. I finally get the chance, and can’t wait for you all to meet Mrs. Jumoke Randle, wife to Governor Tunde Randle! Oh what a character!!! The KING OF BOYS might have her hands full in this sequel”. </em></p>

<p>While a release date is yet to be announced, sources reveal production is well underway. Adetiba confirmed the sequel back in October 2019 and has been keeping fans sparingly updated on its progress.</p>

<p>The 2018 4th highest grossing movie follows the gripping tale of <strong>Eniola Salami</strong> played by <strong>Sola Sobowale.</strong></p>

Nse Ikpe- Etim has confirmed plans to star in the anticipated thriller [Instagram/@nseikpeetim]

The ace actress will join the star-studded cast of 'King of Boys 2'.

Nse Ikpe Etim to star in 'King of Boys 2'

Alafe Adebimpe

<h1>Popularly known for her role in 'Reloaded' 45 year old Nigerian Actress Nse Ikpe-Etim never fails to give us all the fashion inspiration we might need.</h1>

<p>Androgynous fashion is a fashion style that avoids gender stereotype. This particular fashion style has always been there and Nollywood star, Nse has never been afraid to rock this look.</p>

<p>The coolest thing about rocking an androgynous look is that it could be as simple and basic as rocking a shirt and trousers in your wardrobe and it does not have to be overly expensive. Here are three ways Nse Ikpe-Etim made us love the androgynous look:</p>

<p>The Nollywood star rocked this look to the private dinner hosted by Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie to introduce the Nigerian creative to Kenyan-Mexican actress, Lupita Nyong'o. She looked stunning as she rocked a black three-quarter palazzo trousers and a black half peplum top with a black and white belt and a patterned black and white court shoes.</p>

<p>It is safe to call this look a minimalist look. From the black wide leg pants to the black collared button up shirt by LadyBeellionaire Luxury and black court shoes. Putting a little bit of twist into this look, Nse Ikpe-Etim left a part of the shirt unbuttoned teasing us with a bit bit of belly skin. No, this is how you rock a minimal androgynous look.</p>

<p>We can't get of enough of the superstar and the strong fashion statements she keeps making every day. She looked like a goddess in this black high neck belted jumpsuit from LadyBeellionaire Luxury. This look is perfect for almost any occasion.</p>

3 times Nse Ikpe-Etim made us fall in love with Androgynous Fashion

Androgynous fashion is for the edgy and brave woman.

Latest Nigerian Fashion Tips, News & Trends

Fashion

Olamide Ayeni

<h1>We don’t get to have a work style inspirations off the red carpet of movie premieres or award shows but this particular one is an exception.</h1>

<p>One of the highly anticipated movies 'Who's The Boss' had its premiere on Sunday, February 16, 2020, at the FilmHouse IMAX Cinema.</p>

<p>From the movie casts, celebrities and social media influencers were present at the premiere. Most of the guests stepped out in their best looks, from power to classy looks.</p>

<p>We spotted some stylish looks that you could pull off as work wears, especially between Monday-Wednesday.</p>

<p>Those that work in a corporate environment can pull off some of these amazing looks at their workplace. From <strong>Bisola Aiyeola</strong> to <strong>Jemima Osunde</strong>, here are some of the looks that could inspire your workwear in this new week.</p>

<p>1. <strong>Jemima Osunde</strong> rocked a white and grey outfit which is very difficult to pull off. The wide-leg pants accentuated her long legs and the high-neck top complimented the trouser at the cuff. </p>

<p>Spot the v-deep cut at the back of the top. It made the top versatile, so you can rock it to other events.</p>

<p>2. Envy with green just like <strong>Linda Osifo</strong> in this boss chic style. The green suit which was styled by <strong>Julyet Peters</strong> was very stylish and also perfect for a corporate environment if you can excuse the cleavage.</p>

<p>The peplum on both sides of the suit is very stylish and extra. The slit at the bottom of the lower tip of the trousers makes your look stand out in general.</p>

<p>3. Step into your office looking like a boss in <strong>Bisola Aiyeola’</strong>s outfit. She rocked an outfit from <strong>Somo by Somo</strong>. The whole look gives you a total power vibe with the two-piece suit. </p>

<p>The fringes at the tip of the suit are that subtle extra you need for a stylish work outfit. The uneven tip of the suit is unique.</p>

<p>4. <strong>Michelle Dede</strong> takes monochrome to a whole new level in her stylish suit. The corset made her look less boring.</p>

<p>5. If you work in an environment where you don’t have a strict look, you can rock <strong>Nse Ikpe Etim</strong>’s look. We love the oversized shirt and baggy pants.</p>

<p>ALSO READ: <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/fashion/your-one-week-guide-on-how-to-dress-to-work-in-casuals/q4szkg0" rel="noopener noreferrer">Your one-week guide on how to dress to work in casuals (Women)</a></p>

<p>The lower part of the buttons which were opened exposed the band of the pants. Remember, you can never go wrong in black.</p>

These looks from the 'Who's The Boss' Movie Premiere will add the right spice to your work styles.

'Who's The Boss' Movie Premiere: 5 work styles you can try from the red carpet looks

Motolani Alake

<h1>In the African society, a woman’s worth is usually reduced to her ability to bear children. While having a child is a blessing, the sheer expectation that comes with having one in our society actively tries to ruin that process.</h1>

<p>When a woman doesn’t have a child, she’s worthless. When a couple fails to have children within the first three years of their marriage, there’s outside interference. The idea that a marriage should be about love is lost on us, it’s have a child or nothing. </p>

<p>It's not that basic anymore. Having children these days has gone beyond self-conception; there are options that allow women to raise their own children. Gone are the days when a woman was enslaved to conservative roles of child-bearing/rearing.</p>

<p>Even at the grassroots, women are taking control. If you also don’t want to have kids, that should be fine too.</p>

<p>Two days ago, exceptional Nigerian actor, <strong>Nse Ikpe Etim </strong>shared the story of how Adenomyosis, a medical condition forced her to remove her womb. She admirably chose life over death – there’s more to life than simply having kids.</p>

<p>Sometimes, the sheer joy of having a child brings joy to those who want children and sadness to those who want children, but can’t have them. But whatever the situation is, surrogacy and adoption are always good options that soften the blow.</p>

<p>On <strong>Conversations with Nse</strong>, she said, “<em>I was told I couldn’t have kids. And so, I had to have a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) to make me have a life again and to stop going through what I was going through. And I’m literarily telling women and men, it really doesn’t matter if you can’t bear children. What really matters is what you would do for the world, for the universe.</em></p>

<p><em>"When I was first told by the doctor that I would have to remove my womb to live a normal life, tears dropped and then my husband squeezed my hand. .</em></p>

<p><em>"It was reassuring that there was someone there and it was telling me that this is reality, my reality. The ordeal made me fall into depression.</em></p>

<p><em>"I didn’t think there was any point anymore because my society taught me that I have to be a mother to be appreciated and every time I went online, I would have one troll or two say ‘you never born? But I’m thankful that that didn’t break me.”</em></p>

<h2>The problem - lets get how this helps liberal concepts and women empowerment right</h2>

<p>In coming out to defiantly say she chose life over death, I saw power from a woman living in a largely conservative and judgemental world – it was a watershed moment. But above all, it was an enlightening tale of the power of life and the will to live that life, not to be entangled with unrealistic standards.</p>

<p>On the part where it has to do with women baring it all to tell a heartbreaking story of why you can’t have children, it is revolutionary – especially in those circumstances which are beyond human control. It’s worse when these women want to conceive and get pregnant, but can’t, for reasons beyond them.</p>

<p>The problem happens when social media users reduce the narrative and misuse it for simplistic purposes of supposed female empowerment. Etim probably wanted children, but couldn’t have them. Her story is that of a life saved, not of a woke choice to defy ‘society’ thoughtlessly and for vain satisfaction.</p>

<p>If anyone chooses to defy ‘society’ and their partner is fine with it, that’s nobody’s business. But don’t destroy and belittle another person’s touching story for cheap woke endorsement.</p>

At 'Conversations With Nse,' Nigerian actor, Nse Ikpe-Etim explained why she removed her womb. (YNaija)

Some sections of social media have selfishly owned the actress' story for woke narratives - that's not cool.

Pulse Opinion: Nse Ikpe Etim is an inspiration to women

Bayo Wahab

<h1>Nollywood actress, Nse Ikpe-Etim has opened up on why she has not had a kid and why she’s not going to have one.</h1>

<p>The award-winning actress while speaking at an event tagged “Conversation With Nse” in Lagos said she won’t be able to have a kid because she has removed her womb.</p>

<p>She said she was diagnosed with Adenomyosis, a medical condition whereby the inner lining of the uterus breaks through the muscle wall of the uterus, three years ago.</p>

Nse Ikpe-Etim said she was advised by her doctor to remove her womb to live a normal life. (ThePoint )

<p>She said, “<em>I was told I couldn’t have kids. And so, I had to have a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) to make me have a life again and to stop going through what I was going through. And I’m literarily telling women and men, it really doesn’t matter if you can’t bear children. What really matters is what you would do for the world, for the universe.”</em></p>

<p><strong> Nse Ikpe-Etim</strong> came into limelight in 2008 for her role in '<strong>Reloaded'</strong><em>. </em>She was also nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role<em> </em> for her role in<strong><em> '</em>Reloaded'</strong><em> </em>and<em> '</em><strong>Mr and Mrs'</strong><em> </em>at the 5th and 8th Africa Movie Academy Awards respectively.</p>

Nse Ikpe-Etim