She’s gone from inspiring characters in over 350 films to shaping the industry behind the scenes. Rita has emerged as a trailblazer. Let’s take a deep dive into her life, her craft, and the versatility that sets her apart.

A Glimpse into Rita’s Beginnings and Legacy

Born July 12, 1975, in Mbaise, Imo State, into a distinguished family (her father was a doctor, her mother a nurse), Rita Dominic blossomed early into performance. 

With theatre arts studied at the University of Port Harcourt (class of 1999), she dove into Nollywood full-force after her debut in 1998’s A Time to Kill.

Dubbed a “silver screen icon” by CNN, she has earned numerous accolades, from the AMVCA (in both drama and comedy) to Kenya’s Kalasha Award. 

Beyond acting, Rita co-founded The Audrey Silva Company (TASC) with Mildred Okwo, producing hits like The Meeting and working on Nigeria’s famed Miss Nigeria pageant.

ALSO READ: Rita Dominic opens up on how she handled ‘snide comments’ for being unmarried

’76 (2016) 

Role: Suzie Dewa, a pregnant army wife caught in a storm of political intrigue.

Set six years after Nigeria’s civil war, ’76 traces the harrowing ordeal of Captain Joseph Dewa (Ramsey Nouah), falsely accused of involvement in the failed 1976 coup. 

Rita Dominic’s Suzie embodies emotional resilience. She’s gentle yet resolute as she fights to prove her husband’s innocence and protect their unborn child.

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Her performance earned widespread acclaim, including the AMVCA Best Actress in a Drama (Movie/TV Series). 

Critics praised her nuanced portrayal of a woman under strain, small gestures like a quivering hand or a steely glare spoke louder than words. Kemi Filani News described her turn as “refreshing… bringing the plight of a soldier’s wife to life on screen.”

ALSO READ: ‘I do want to marry and I want to get it right once and for all’ – Rita Dominic

The Meeting (2012)

Role: Clara Ikemba, the formidable gatekeeper in Abuja’s bureaucracy.

In this award-winning (AMAA & Audience Choice in Paris) romantic comedy, Rita stars opposite Femi Jacobs, playing a no‑nonsense receptionist whose brash exterior conceals vulnerability. 

Damian Okwo’s script uses Clara to spotlight bureaucracy, but Rita’s performance elevates it: she’s prickly, sarcastic, and unexpectedly human.

Her demand for bribes, comic dominance, and begrudging soft spots turn Clara into one of Nollywood’s most iconic comedic characters.

ALSO READ THIS: Check out how Rita Dominic and her husband looked at their white wedding

Light in the Dark (2019)

Role: Jumoke, a survivor navigating trauma and hope.

In this intense drama/thriller, Rita stars as Jumoke, a married mother of one attacked during a break-in . 

The film explores the horrifying aftermath of gender violence and its impact on family dynamics.

With little dialogue, Rita conveys suffering, stoicism, and the fragile rebuilding of trust; she anchors the film’s emotional core.

Critics applauded how her intimate, understated performance elevated the broader narrative into a moving portrait of survival.

The Trade (2023) 

Role: Doris, a sharp, determined enforcement officer.

In Jade Osiberu’s crime thriller, Rita plays Doris, a tactful but fierce character operating within Nigeria’s gritty criminal landscape. 

As a wife, mother, and law enforcer, Doris is moral and multifaceted. Rita’s measured portrayal balances empathy and authority, keeping viewers guessing about loyalties and drive.

Her presence lends gravitas, showing how seamlessly she adapts to genre shifts, from historical drama to urban crime.

READ THIS: Rita Dominic, Kemi Adetiba and MI’s engagements are reminders to fall in love on your own terms

Shattered (2011)

A US-based Nigerian music critic, writer and media influencer, Olumide Akinlolu professionally known as Oyebanji Akins has officially been inducted as a member of the prestigious Recording Academy, the esteemed organization responsible for selecting Grammy winners based on merit.

The Academy extended a warm welcome to Akins in a statement via email, acknowledging his contributions to the music industry and enjoined him to actively participate in fulfilling the organization’s mission.

His induction follows his invitation to the Recording Academy’s 2025 New Member Class.

He joins an array of music professionals and creators, engaging in celebrations, sharing experiences, and contributing to the growth of the music industry.

As a member Akins have the opportunity to celebrate peer’s achievements throughout the Grammy Awards process, spotlighting excellence across genre and community.

This milestone recognizes Akins’ dedication and expertise in the music industry, allowing him to play a vital role in shaping the future of music alongside fellow members.

This isn’t just an honour, “but a chance to amplify your voice, shape the future of our industry and make a lasting impact,” the statement further read.

He will contribute to celebrating and advocating for the diverse community of music creators, furthering the Academy’s mission to serve music and its makers.

Speaking on the recognition, Akins said “being invited to join the Academy is incredibly meaningful to me. It’s recognition of my work, my voice, my commitment to the music industry and culture at large. It’s not just an honor, it’s a responsibility to contribute, represent diverse perspectives, and help shape the future of music on a global stage.”

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“For someone like me, whose journey started from grassroots storytelling and music criticism, this recognition feels like validation that my efforts to bridge cultures and elevate African and Black voices are making an impact,” Akins, the founder of CTDA Media — Connecting The Dot Africa, added.

“It motivates me to keep pushing boundaries, amplifying artists, and ensuring that the richness of our stories is seen and respected worldwide. Above all, it’s a reminder that dreams, no matter where they start, are possible. And I’m grateful to be part of a community that values creativity, integrity, and the power of music.”

Akins induction into the Recording Academy marks a significant achievement, solidifying his position as a respected voice in the music industry.

Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has accused fellow actress Lizzy Anjorin of resorting to diabolic antics as the longstanding feud between them is reignited.

The conflict between the actresses can be traced back to 2023 when both women launched unrestrained attacks on each other on their respective social media pages.

In June 2024, it appeared there was some form of resolution, but tempers have started to flare again over a year later, with both women already going on social media to launch attacks at each other.

The latest spate of attacks reached a boiling point earlier this week after Iyabo Ojo’s Lagos office went up in flames.

ALSO READ: Why Iyabo Ojo Took Lizzy Anjorin to Court: Full Timeline

On Friday, Iyabo Ojo told the public in an Instagram video that Anjorin should be held responsible if any harm came to her or her children.

Prior to this, Anjorin had claimed that the N1 billion legal suit filed against her by Iyabo Ojo had been dismissed.

She had written on Instagram, “Iyabo Ojo’s N1 billion lawsuit against Lizzy Anjorin is dismissed, the court ordered Iyabo Ojo to pay Lizzy Anjorin a certain amount.”

Reacting to Anjorin’s post in her own video, Iyabo Ojo clarified that what they had previously attended was an ADR session, not a formal court case, and that the judge had advised an amicable resolution before dismissing it.

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“Lizzy Anjorin, I have a video where you said I should be held responsible if anything happens to you or your family. That is precisely what I have been waiting for, for you to mention my name. Your lawyer needs to educate you that what we attended was ADR—Alternative Dispute Resolution.

“We have not even started any formal court case. The ADR judge dismissed the case. I have a lot of respect for that woman. One of the times we appeared before her, she called us aside and advised us to settle everything amicably.

“But you, Lizzy Anjorin, did not stop coming after me, my children, and my family. When we returned to court, the judge reassigned the case to another court. You somehow brought it back to her court, but she didn’t want to continue and threw it out. We have not begun the real case.

“I have not called any witnesses, and neither have you. I have been waiting for you to mention my name because, in court, you denied it was me when asked who Sepeteri and Gistlover were. When asked what problem you had with me, you said it was because I associated with people who bullied you.

“You keep attacking people close to me. You target anyone you see with me. And the only reason I filed a case against you is because of all the false accusations and defamatory statements you’ve made about me. There’s nothing you haven’t accused me of.”

Speaking further, Iyabo Ojo accused Anjorin of taking her and her children’s names to a herbalist to lay curses on them.

She also alleged that Anjorin linked her and her partner with the death of singer Mohbad. She accused Anjorin of consistently bullying her family, including her daughter Priscilla, son Festus, and son-in-law.

“If anything happens to me, Iyabo Ojo, my daughter Priscilla Ajoke, or Festus Olajuwon Ojo, you, Lizzy Anjorin, should be held responsible. You should be held fully accountable if anything happens to us,” she continued.

“When we get to court, you will explain who you were referring to when you said someone’s daughter, who just got married, should be killed with voodoo, ground, and mixed with sand. You know I’ve filed a criminal petition against you, and you’ve done the same. You’ve been cursing my children consistently.

ALSO READ: Actress Lizzy Anjorin speaks on online feud with Iyabo Ojo

“You have bullied me, my daughter, my son-in-law, my son, my partner, everyone around me. You have accused me of countless things, including the death of Mohbad. You even admitted to taking my name and those of my children to a herbalist. But I am glad you have finally mentioned my name, because before now, you claimed you had no issue with me since you never said my name.

“Now that you have, there is a case and you must explain exactly what that case is to the authorities and the public. You will explain in court how my partner and I and everyone around us supposedly killed Mohbad. Every single allegation you have made, you will be made to prove it in court.”