If your name is not on the guest list, you can forget about twerking with television stars Taraji P Henson and Terrence Howard this week. The lead characters from the series Empire are in Johannesburg to promote the third season of the show which starts on DStv's FoxAfrica later this year.The series, created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong, centres on Empire Entertainment, founded by the Lyon family.Terrence Howard plays drug dealer turned hip-hop mogul Lucious Lyon, who pits his three sons against each other to see which one could take over the family business. But the real star is Henson, who plays Cookie, his feisty ex-wife who spent 17 years in prison.Speaking to the media yesterday, Henson and Howard said their visit felt like a "homecoming".Henson said before she accepted the role of Cookie she had tried to talk herself out of it ."I thought people would hate Cookie. I was scared to take the job. she's a dangerous character. I had to show what drives her. Cookie wears me out, her emotional rollercoaster is draining," Henson said.Howard said his greatest role as an actor was playing Nelson Mandela in the 2011 drama Winnie, saying it was the "best thing I could've done as an actor".Speaking about his role as Lucious, Howard said: "Every actor approaches characters from a different standpoint . some try to keep themselves out of it."I have never found the strength and ability to not take my character home with me and not to be caught up with my character. It's a difficult balance especially when you're playing someone as dark as Lucious."On Thursday the two stars will be partying at Harem, a night club in Rosebank .The event is strictly invitation only and will be attended by local celebs such as Bonang Matheba, DJ Fresh, Pearl Thusi, Nomuzi Mabena, Kuli Roberts, Bob Mabena, DJ Mo Flava, Maps Maponyane, Unati Msengena and Lira.A Soweto tour is also on the cards for them...