Precious 'Mamazeus' Nwogu

<p>The Audrey Silva Company's 2021 film, 'La Femme Anjola' is gearing up for a New York premiere ahead of its online release.</p>

<p>According to confirmed reports, the film will screen at the prestigious MCC Theatre in New York on November 21, 2021 following a collaboration between the off-Broadway theater company&nbsp;and the African Film Festival New York.</p>

<p>Starring Rita Dominic in her AMAA nominated role as Anjola, the film written by Tunde Babalola follows the story of a young Lagos investment banker whose life is upended when he falls in love with the wife of a gangster. 'La Femme Anjola' also stars AMAA nominee Nonso Bassey, Ego Boyo, Femi Jacobs and Mumbi Maina.</p>

<p>Co-produced by Okwo and Dominic, 'La Femme Anjola' premiered to impressive reviews in Nigerian cinemas back in March and is set to <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/la-femme-anjola-to-premiere-on-newly-unveiled-streaming-platform/egfkyxx">champion a self-sponsored streaming platform launch by November 25, 2021, </a>a laudable move regarded as first of its kind in Nollywood.</p>

<p>Speaking on the film, director Mildred Okwo shared: "<em>As a filmmaker, I am drawn to telling stories that capture the essence of my observations and La Femme Anjola, is one of such films. With this project, I had the opportunity to present a classic noir tale with a distinctively African twist; one that speaks for the times as it chronicles the journey of a young middle-class man who is simply a product of today’s Nigeria. In many ways, his story is the story of a modern-day Nigerian.”</em></p>

<p>'La Femme Anjola' recently scooped four AMAA nominations including the Best Actress and Best Actor categories.</p>

La Femme Anjola to premiere on streaming platform [Twitter/mealdredo]

The Mildred Okwo directed crime thriller will making its US outing at the MCC Theatre New York.

Mildred Okwo's 'La Femme Anjola' set for New York premiere

Temi Iwalaiye

<p>Musician, <strong>Tiwa Savage</strong> celebrated her late father in grand style on Friday, September 3 2021.</p>

<p>Her guests wore a blue Ankara aso-Ebi and sewed different stunning styles. See below the pictures of the best-dressed celebrities at the event.</p>

<p>Sharon Ooja in <strong>Tularoo </strong>is gorgeous. The black bodice makes the outfit look exceptionally good and fits her body.</p>

<p>Lily bodied that dress by <strong>Khavia woman,</strong> blending Ankara with black is always a good idea.</p>

<p><strong>Lola Oj </strong>mixes silk with Ankara and, it is the perfect fashion concoction. She makes the Ankara a train and, we are not mad about it.</p>

<p><strong>Idia</strong> looks perfect in this gown by<strong> T Bally Couture</strong>. The feathers and the fit come together impeccably.</p>

<p>Fashion Designer, <strong>Tolu Bally </strong>had on saying wow with her fabric choice, the design of the dress was certainly everything and more.</p>

Tolu Bally, Sharon Ooja and Lily Afegbai looked their best [instagram]

The celebration of the life of Tiwa Savage's late father was a star-studded event with the who-is-who in Nigeria’s social scene present.

Some notable fashion at the funeral of Tiwa Savage's dad

<h1>Veteran actress, Rita Dominic has rewarded three budding actors with cash prizes to the tune of N1.4 million.</h1>

<p>The actors, <strong>Jasmine Wrights, Chioma Okafor,</strong> and <strong>Josh Anowi</strong> won N1 million, N300,000 and N100,000 respectively for emerging winners of the recently held acting challenge for the <strong>Mildred Okwo</strong> directed 'La Femme Anjola'. The winners were announced on Monday, April 5 after a rigorous process of selection from multiple entries.</p>

<p><em>"When I first started acting in Nollywood 23 years ago, it was very difficult after finishing school,"</em> Dominic said at the cheque presentation event. <em>"So, my dream was to find a way to give opportunities to upcoming actors so they don’t have to go through the rigorous process.</em></p>

<p><em>"For so many years, I didn’t have the opportunity to bring my dream to life, so luckily, Heritage bank came on board and partnered with us this year and I felt this is a fantastic opportunity to bring to life this long-life dream and with the help of my business partner and director, we decided to put out a monologue from our new film, La Femme Anjola, that whoever does win will have an opportunity to feature in our next project aside winning a prize. </em></p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ: </strong><a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/rita-dominic-interview/qp5n311">Rita Dominic reveals how Brenda Fassie inspired her character in 'La Femme Anjola'</a></p>

<p><em>"It was difficult because we had several entries and I will tell you that we have lots of talents in this country but at the end of the day Jasmine won.”</em></p>

<p>'La Femme Anjola', co-produced by Dominic<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/la-femme-anjola-gets-official-theatrical-release-date/q4w20r0"> released to critical acclaim in March 2021. </a>The thriller starring the actress and <strong>Nonso Bassey</strong> in lead roles follows the story of a young stockbroker who falls for a femme fatale.</p>

Rita Dominic poses with 'La Femme Anjola' acting challenge winners [Instagram/heritagebankplc]

The actors won a 'La Femme Anjola' acting challenge.

Rita Dominic rewards budding actors with N1.4 million

<h1>Nollywood star actress, Rita Dominic has been applauded in recent times for delivering a riveting performance in her newly released feature, 'La Femme Anjola'.</h1>

<p>In the movie still showing in Nigerian cinemas, <strong>Dominic </strong>plays <strong>Anjola</strong>, a songstress femme fatale, a character she recently revealed forced her to go into a dark place.</p>

<p>The star thespian recently spoke to <strong>Chude Jideonwu</strong> where she opened up about being able to bring life to the sinister character.</p>

<p><em>"Anjola is a very dark character, infact I remember when we were in the Basement shooting, it was so dark in there that it literally affected me, I wasn’t sleeping well. I’ll try to sleep and I’d wake up abruptly,"</em> Dominic shared.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong> <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/i-initially-did-not-have-money-to-acquire-the-la-femme-anjola-script-mildred-okwo/pxrnq2v">I initially did not have money to acquire the 'La Femme Anjola' script - Mildred Okwo</a></p>

<p><em>“I remember one night my assistant came in, no it was in the early hours of the morning, she was trying to get tea, wake me up and things like that and she was trying to be quite becuse she knew I slept pretty late, so I just woke up abruptly and I remember her running to the bed and asked me ‘aunty what’s wrong’.</em></p>

<p><em>“I just said I’m really connecting with her, I don’t like this... err the energy is bad and I see it’s Anjola just taking over.”</em></p>

<p>Speaking on how she prepared for the role, Dominic revealed that she researched a lot about female singers from the 60s to the 90s before choosing deceased South African music star, <strong>Brenda Fassie</strong> as a case study. <em>"I felt that there was similarities between her and Anjola because she was disturbed up until she died and this performer woman is also disturbed. So, I felt I could draw some similarities between these women so I studied her for a while and zoned out of everything including social media."</em></p>

<p>Dominic stars alongside <strong>Nonso Bassey</strong> in the acclaimed thriller directed by <strong>Mildred Okwo. </strong></p>

Dominic revealed she chose Brenda Fassie because of the similarities the songstress shares with her character.

Rita Dominic reveals how Brenda Fassie inspired her character in 'La Femme Anjola'

<h1>As the camera crew set up for Nonso Bassey's long overdue interview, a colleague rushes into the studio.</h1>

<p>She had overhead that the singer cum actor was in the studio for a session and wanted to get a hug and selfies to show her sister. After a few minutes, she left with that all too familiar smile.</p>

<p>It's one I have had a couple of times in the weeks leading to my scheduled interview with the fast-rising music and film star. Bassey's artistic persona has that mesmerizing effect on his growing fanbase.</p>

<p>The singer cum actor is one of the few young Nigerian talents to successfully lead a career in music and film, a feat not easily attained.</p>

<p>After emerging as a finalist in the 2016 edition of 'The Voice Nigeria', Bassey promptly began a career in acting, first starring in 'Wurukum Roundabout', a feature-length film shot in Markudi. After which he starred in Africa Magic telenovela, 'Battleground'.</p>

<p>But long before 'The Voice Nigeria' and stardom, Bassey shared in this exclusive Pulse interview that he was a creative trapped in a 9-5 day job as a civil servant.</p>

<p><em>"Ï worked in the ministry of aviation, specifically in Nigeria Airspace Management Agency. I was a public affairs officer"</em>, Bassey reveals.&nbsp;<em>"I did that for about four to five years and even though the corporate world was not the path I wanted for myself, it taught me a lot about work ethic, structure and hard work especially in my artistic field."</em></p>

<p>Having a full-time career as a recording artist and actor surely has its fair share of challenges. For Bassey, some of the ups was working on his debut single '411' then heading on to Battleground and most recently,&nbsp;<strong>Mildred Okwo</strong>'s crime thriller, 'La Femme Anjola'.</p>

<p>Bassey makes his big-screen debut in the Okwo directed feature, starring alongside&nbsp;<strong>Rita Dominic</strong>. In 'La Femme Anjola', he plays&nbsp;<strong>Dejare</strong>, a young stockbroker by day and saxophonist by night, who falls in love with a femme fatale.</p>

<p>For those who have seen the film, it's not long before you notice Bassey and Dejare share some similarities. Both are avid lovers of music and, he agrees on this note, are burdened with a saviour complex.</p>

<p><em>"What first struck me with Dejare was his vulnerability. From the outside, he is pompous, arrogant and overconfident but deep down, he has a saviour complex and I relate to that on a personal level. I mean being drawn to fixing things."</em></p>

<p>Recalling his first contact with the seasoned filmmaker, Bassey revealed she inboxed him on Twitter, offering him the lead role on her new project.<em>&nbsp;"I had priory introduced myself to her, followed her on Twitter. Turns out she was a fan of the show I was on, 'Battleground' so when the opening came, she told me she wanted me for the role."</em></p>

<p><em>"Working with Mildred Okwo is life-changing as she makes you want to do the work. She makes every actor open up so it's like you are psychologically and emotionally naked,"&nbsp;</em>Bassey reveals about his experience with the famed filmmaker.</p>

<p>Then there was the experience of working with Rita Dominic. At this point, Bassey sobers up as he takes me back to his childhood, growing up in Calabar and watching Dominic on his neighbour's television set. At the time, his parents could not afford a TV set so the kids in his block would crowd the entrance of their neighbour's apartment to watch Nollywood movies.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ: </strong><a href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/la-femme-anjola-femi-jacobs-reveals-he-lost-the-lead-role-to-nonso-bassey/t3zbqkz">La Femme Anjola: Femi Jacobs reveals he lost the lead role to Nonso Bassey</a></p>

<p>It's 2020 and Bassey has lived almost every male millennial's fantasy- an opportunity to be Dominic's man.<em>&nbsp;"I grew up adoring Rita Dominic so I was very nervous working with her for the first time. I was scared, even about my breath! I had joked about coming on set with bad breath and Rita asking Aunty Mil where she found me."</em></p>

<p><em>"Thankfully, Rita is an amazing professional. She put me at ease so working on some of those scenes were not as scary as I thought they would be."</em></p>

<p>On breaking boundaries and vulnerability, Bassey had to go nude for one of the scenes in 'La Femme Anjola'. It is one of the most intense scenes in the film as Dejare and Anjola cuddle up in bed after a heated bathroom session. Interestingly, Dominic had no idea that Okwo planned to spice up the scene with a naked Bassey and Bassey agreed that he was all in from the moment the director called action.</p>

<p><em>"I am of the school of thought that if it is worth it, then go all out for it. I knew that there were going to love scenes but when I read the script, I knew I wanted to give it my all if the call came. The director and I discussed it and I was okay with it."&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><em>"I mean, I am an actor so, beyond the nervousness, I felt it was for a worthy cause and I don't mind stripping for a worthy cause. I mean if my dad wasn't a pastor, I would have been a stripper. Lol"&nbsp;</em></p>

<p>With music, Bassey feels things are not very distanced. As an actor, there's the burden to find that vulnerable place and letting out emotions people can resonate with. But he agrees it is no joke as both come with tough demands.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In between long shoots and recording new music, he hardly gets spare time to rest.&nbsp;<em>"In the beginning, it was challenging Still is, but this is something that I love to do and when you love something, it is just a hurdle that you jump and keep going. I mean I want to produce and direct film and music content and that is what I am focused on at the moment."</em></p>

<p>Ultimately, Bassey feels that the most fascinating thing about acting is letting go of oneself to let another entity exist and this vulnerability is the perfect space for creating music or even writing stories. It is why he switches quite effortlessly.</p>

<p>For the future, the uber-talented star says he hopes to work behind the scenes as a director and screenwriter. With his directorial debut, a short film, already in the works, Bassey says his long-awaited album will debut soon.&nbsp;</p>

The 'La Femme Anjola' star opens up on carving a niche in the Nigerian film and music industries.

Nonso Bassey: on passion, finding balance between music and film [Pulse Interview]

Odion Okonofua

<h1>Okay, guys, it looks like Rita Dominic has for the first time revealed the identity of her partner.</h1>

<p>The movie star took to her Instagram page on Saturday, December 26, 2020, where she showed off her man, <strong>Fidelis Anosike</strong>.</p>

<p><em>"Merry Christmas..❤"</em> she captioned the photo.</p>

<p>Her celebrity friends trooped in their numbers in her comment section as they celebrated with her.</p>

<p>From <strong>Genevieve Nnaji</strong>,<strong> Ini Edo</strong> to<strong> Mercy Johnson</strong>, they all celebrated the movie star and her new man.</p>

<p>Anosike is is the founder of <strong>Folio Media Group</strong>, a multi-media company which owns <strong>Daily Times Nigeria</strong> (founded 1926), the country’s oldest newspaper.&nbsp;</p>

Nollywood movie star Rita Dominic [Instagram/RitaDomnic]

Anosike is a media executive and publisher of the Daily Times.

Rita Dominic shows off her man Fidelis Anosike on Instagram

<h1>Children's Day is here again and this time around some of your favourite celebrities are marking the special day with their kids.</h1>

<p>It is no news that some of these celebs are famous for showing off their adorable kids. For some of them like comedian, Bovi, whose kids are already famous on social media, it is obvious we have mini- celebs in the making.</p>

<p>More interesting to note is that for the first time, some of these celebrities have announced that they even have kids.</p>

<p>Okay guys, here are some of the photos shared by your favourite celebrities on Children's Day.</p>

Bovi's daughter, Elena, has become famous on social media and also owns a YouTube channel [Instagram/OfficialBovi]

Okay, guys, here are some of the photos shared by your favourite celebrities on Children's Day.

Children's Day: How your favourite celebrities marked the special day with their kids

<h1>Mildred Okwo has confirmed the revamp of her 2017 directed series, 'Bankers NGR'.</h1>

<p>Okwo made the announcement with a 22-minute untreated cut of the series while confirming that her Audrey Silva production team are reworking the series  written by <strong>Tunde Babalola</strong> ('The Meeting', 'October 1'). </p>

<p>She shared, "So we’ve gone back to the drawing board to rewrite and revamp this series. I think we are better filmmakers now and will do an even better job. This is an untreated first cut".</p>

<p>The teaser for 'Bankers NGR' first premiered in April 2017 to rave reviews especially for its story based on the lives of bankers at a fictional bank called&nbsp;<strong>Sun Country Bank. </strong></p>

<p>It starred <strong> Rita Dominic </strong>who doubled as co producer, <strong>Joke Silva, Segun Arinze, Bikiya Graham-Douglas, Daniel Effiong, Ayoola Ayolola, Roseline Afije</strong> among others.</p>

Mildred Okwo unveils first cut of revamped 'Bankers NGR' TV series

The Audrey Silva company is reworking its 2017 TV series, 'Bankers NGR'.

Mildred Okwo unveils first cut of  revamped 'Bankers NGR' series

Gbenga Bada

<h1>On Sunday, December 8, Funke Akindele-Bello and Rita Dominic led an array of movie and music stars to the premiere of her directorial debut, ‘Your Excellency’.</h1>

<p>The event held at Mo Abudu’s newly built The EbonyLife place on Victoria Island, Lagos.</p>

Rita Dominic was one of the big stars that attended the premiere of Funke Akindele's directorial debut, 'Your Excellency'. [Instagram/ritadominic]

<p>The film director, Akindele-Bello was all smiles as she was accompanied by her husband, Abdulrasheed Bello throughout the event.&nbsp;</p>

Deyemi Okanlawon (in white) and IK Ogbonna (in wine colour) attended the premiere of 'Your Excellency' with friends and colleagues. [Instagram]

<p>Akindele-Bello and Dominic joined the Lagos State governor, <strong>Babajide Sanwoolu</strong>, Minister for Information, <strong>Lai Mohammed</strong>, and Speaker House of Representatives,<strong> Femi Gbajabiamila</strong>, who attended the premiere alongside other guests.</p>

<p>Notably spotted at the premiere were cast of the film that includes <strong>Akin Lewis, Shaffy Bello, Ikechukwu, Toni Tones, Deyemi Okanlawon, Kunle Coker, Bimbo Manuel, Chigul, Lala Akindoju, Eku Edewor, Alex Ekubo, Emma OhmyGod, </strong>and<strong> Osas Ighodaro.</strong></p>

Ramsey Nouah was one of the guests at the 'Your Excellency' premiere in Lagos. [Instagram]

<p>Other celebrities that attended the event include<strong> Regina Askia Daniels, Ramsey Tokunbo Nouah, Denola Grey, Uzor Osimkpa, Chris Ubosi, </strong>and<strong> Obi Asika</strong>.</p>

<p>The film is expected to start showing in cinemas on December 13.</p>

Funke Akindele-Bello and Rita Dominic led several movie stars to ‘Your Excellency’ premiere on Sunday, December 8, 2019.&nbsp;

Funke Akindele, Rita Dominic lead stars to ‘Your Excellency’ premiere

<h1>Kate Henshaw’s role as ‘Officer Folake Stainless’ in Akin Omotosho’s new film, ‘The Ghost &amp; House of Truth’ has earned her an award.</h1>

<p>The honour came on Saturday, November 16, 2019, at the <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/afriff-2019-the-ghost-and-house-of-truth-closes-film-festival-with-3-awards/7c8qygg" rel="noopener noreferrer">Africa International Film Festival Globe Awards</a>.</p>

<p>Henshaw was awarded the ‘Best Female Performer’ at the award ceremony for her role in the movie, which went on to win three awards on the night.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ</strong>: <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/afriff-2019-the-ghost-and-house-of-truth-closes-film-festival-with-3-awards/7c8qygg" rel="noopener noreferrer">AFRIFF 2019: ‘The Ghost &amp; House of Truth’ closes film festival with 3 awards</a></p>

<p>Though Henshaw was absent when she was announced as the winner of her category, the award was picked up by <strong>Kemi Lala Akindoju</strong> on her behalf.</p>

<p>‘The Ghost &amp; House of Truth’ went on to win awards for the Best Director and Best Nigerian Film.</p>

<div class="embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">My Jesus!!!!!!! Oh my word!!!! I am just gobsmacked!! Thanks darling Reeeee ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤</p>&mdash; Kate Amaka Henshaw (@HenshawKate) <a href="https://twitter.com/HenshawKate/status/1195821285600829440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

</div>

<p>Reacting to the win, Henshaw, who was informed by <strong>Rita Dominic</strong> of her win, said: “<em>My Jesus!!!!!!! Oh, my word!!!! I am just gobsmacked!! Thanks, darling...”</em>.</p>

<p>Henshaw played the character of a pregnant police officer known as Folake Stainless in the film. She had to solve a murder case and didn’t leave anything upturned despite her pregnancy to find the culprit of the murder.</p>

<p>‘The Ghost &amp; House of Truth’ is produced by <strong>Ego Boyo</strong>’s Temple Production and directed by <strong>Akin Omotosho</strong>. It premiered in Nigeria at the 2019 AFRIFF as the closing film.</p>

Kate Henshaw has emerged the Best Female Performer at 2019 AFRIFF Globe awards for her role in 'The Ghost & House of Truth'. [Instagram/k8henshaw]

<a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/afriff-2019-the-ghost-and-house-of-truth-closes-film-festival-with-3-awards/7c8qygg" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kate Henshaw</a> has picked up an award for her role as ‘Officer Folake Stainless’ in the film, <a data-link-role-code="none" href="https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/movies/afriff-2019-the-ghost-and-house-of-truth-closes-film-festival-with-3-awards/7c8qygg" rel="noopener noreferrer">‘The Ghost &amp; House ...

Kate Henshaw picks up an award for playing ‘officer Folake Stainless’

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Rita Dominic

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