Nollywood supericon is crossing borders in grand style. Rita Dominic has officially confirmed she will touch down in Lusaka, Zambia, on July 1, 2026, for the world premiere of ’77: The Festac Conspiracy, the hotly anticipated sequel to the 2016 historical masterpiece ’76.
The announcement came via a short video clip radiating Dominic’s signature warmth. “Hey, Zambia, it’s Rita Dominic. Now I have something truly exciting to share with you all,” she says, her smile widening. “I’ll be live in Lusaka on the first of July for the premiere of ’77 at the Africa Creative Market 2026 and the Creative Industry Business Summit Zambia 2026. Trust me, you do not want to miss this moment. I look forward to seeing you all, and I look forward to watching ’77 with you. Lots of love, see you then.”
The red-carpet screening doubles as the crown jewel of the Africa Creative Market (ACM) 2026, marking a watershed moment: for the first time, the market is expanding outside Nigeria, setting up camp at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre from June 29 to July 2.
The Creative Industry Business Summit Zambia will run concurrently, gathering filmmakers, investors, and culture shapers across the continent.
’77: The Festac Conspiracy reunites Dominic with screen partner Ramsey Nouah, picking up threads from the critically acclaimed ’76, which centered on the 1976 military coup. The sequel shifts its lens to 1977, framing its drama around the historic Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture — Festac ’77 — a defining moment of Pan-African pride hosted in Lagos. With period-accurate costuming and political intrigue, the film is already generating strong awards-season chatter.
Dominic’s personal connection to Zambian fans was palpable in her Instagram caption: “Looking forward to seeing my Zambian fam,” she wrote, adding sparkle emojis that mirrored the excitement brewing online. Ticket registrations surged within hours of the post.
For ACM organisers, the Lusaka move is a statement of intent. Bringing a premiere of this magnitude to Southern Africa underscores a commitment to decentralising Nollywood’s commercial engine and spotlighting fresh creative economies.
As the countdown begins, one thing is clear: on July 1, all eyes will be on Lusaka — and on Dominic, once again commanding the screen with the grace that has defined her legendary career.
