‘Empire’ stars pay working visit to SA

WHEN Empire stars Taraji P Henson and Terrence Howard touch down in South Africa today, they won’t be demanding the imperial treatment.

Instead, the pair will mostly be doing meet-and-greets, interviews and shopping while promoting the third season of the musical drama show.

They will also take a tour of Soweto.

Clearly excited about her first visit, 45-year-old Henson, who plays Cookie, the feisty matriarch of the Lyon family, took to Instagram this week to share the news with her fans. “#CookieMonsters as promised!!! #cookieinjozi #South Africa sooooo excited!!! I’ve never been to the #Motherland #Empire #SoBlessed,” she posted.

Just days after news of Henson’s visit broke, it was announced that she would be joined by hunky actor Howard, who plays vicious music empire boss Lucious Lyon.

The pair’s schedule while in South Africa is packed with activities, starting with media interviews and meet-and-greets tomorrow and Tuesday. On Wednesday they are set to take a day tour of Soweto, where they will stop at a children’s home to make a donation.

On Thursday, Henson is set to visit the Highveld 94.7 studios, and both stars will also shoot promos for their show with Fox Channel. Later that evening they will host a VIP soiree at a club in Rosebank.

Fox Africa head of marketing Khosi Khanyile said the channel was “exceptionally thrilled at the opportunity to bring our content to even wider audiences in Africa”.

“Fans of Empire are definitely in for a treat,” said Khanyile.

Both stars are set to leave the country by next Sunday.