By: Natasha Archary

Pearl Thusi has dedicated her role in a Nigerian short film about mental health to the late South African rapper, Riky Rick and his family.
The South African actress who has made strides internationally, says she was honoured to be able to work with Nigerian director Mo Abudu who launched his new cinema label and has directed two short films.
Thusi stars in Abudu’s Her Perfect Life, which addresses the topic of mental health, giving a clearer understanding on how societal norms affect this very important conversation.
Pearl says the topic of mental health is one that is still very taboo on the African continent, in all walks of life.
“Mo is telling two powerful stories of people from opposite ends of the spectrum, dealing with the same demons. To teach us that no one is immune to mental illness and the scourge it inflicts on one’s mind, highlighting how it affects those around victims and survivors of mental health.
I dedicate this film to my friend Riky Rick and his wife, Bianca as well as his children.
Pearl Thusi on her role in the short film, Her Perfect Life which addresses mental health
I thought of you constantly throughout filming Her Perfect Life. Even now, you continue to inspire not just me but millions around the world.”
Thusi plays the role of Onajite Johnson Ibrahim, a woman living a seemingly perfect life in Lagos.
On Instagram, Thusi’s character, Ibrahim appears to live the ideal life. She has a flourishing career, a loving husband, social life, two perfect children, wealth, but she is secretly contemplating suicide and battling with depression.
“The film sheds light on the unseen mental health challenges that peels the veil of stigmas attached to mental illness and illuminate in the minds of our people the truth about mental illnesses regardless of where you are in life or where you come from.”
The actress dedicated her role to Riky Rick who took his life after losing his battle with depression in February 2021.
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