Lifetime has announced the premiere dates for the upcoming Voices of a Lifetime film slate featuring Mary J. Blige, Lisa Lisa and Gloria Gaynor.
The Voices of a Lifetime slate highlights the lives and accomplishments of Black music entertainers. Blige, who has executive produced Mary J. Blige’s Real Love and Mary J. Blige’s Strength of a Woman, returns with Mary J. Blige’s Family Affair. Based on Blige’s best-selling songs, Mary J. Blige’s Family Affair is the third in a series of films starring Ajiona Alexus adn Da’Vinchi, both of whom also executive produce. Mary J. Blige’s Family Affair comes to Lifetime Jan. 25 at 8 p.m. ET.
Can You Feel The Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story, premieres Feb. 1 at 8 p.m. ET. As previously reported, the film is the authorized biopic of Lisa Velez, lead singer of Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam. Velez executive produces and stars as her mother with Jearnest Corchado starring as a younger Velez. Bre-Z and Angie Martinez also star.
Robin Roberts Presents I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story rounds out the film slate with its premiere Feb. 8 at 8 p.m. ET. The authorized biopic stars Tony winner Joaquina Kalukango (who worked with Roberts on the biopic Mahalia) as Gaynor, with Lance Gross starring as Gaynor’s husband Linwood Simon. Gaynor executive produces and also wrote an original song for the film. Following the biopic, the documentary Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive will air.
Here’s more about each film:
Mary J. Blige’s Family Affair
Mary J. Blige’s Family Affair picks up as Kendra (Ajiona Alexus)and Ben (Da’Vinchi) move out of the city in hopes of finally building a life together. With all their family around and inserted in their lives, tensions rise as they struggle with fertility issues and Kendra tries to find her footing with Ben’s son Miles. Their relationship reaches a boiling point when Ben secretly helps his brother, and Kendra returns to the city and an old friend comes back into her life. The family must come together to help Kendra and Ben save their relationship and stay true to their real love.
Can You Feel The Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story
The fully authorized biopic tells the story of global phenomenon, Lisa Lisa (Jearnest Corchado) who paved the way for artists like Selena and Jennifer Lopez to shine. As a 15-year-old Puerto Rican girl from Hell’s Kitchen, Lisa Velez endured sexism, racism and hid her breast cancer diagnosis to become the first Latina artist to hit multiple music Billboard charts including songs “Can You Feel The Beat,” “All Cried Out,” and “Lost in Emotion.” Lisa’s constant companion through her tumultuous ride to the top was her best friend and backup singer, Toni Ménage (Bre-Z). Toni’s unwavering support helped Lisa learn how to take control of her professional and personal life. This true-life story of two best friends who refused to allow themselves to be destroyed by the entertainment business is filled with twists and turns and ends triumphantly as the two refused to give up on their dreams.
Robin Roberts Presents I Will Survive: The Gloria Gaynor Story
The film chronicles Gaynor’s rise to fame, from her humble beginnings to becoming one of the most iconic voices in music history. Dubbed America’s “Queen of Disco,” the movie will feature many of the songs that catapulted Gaynor to the top of the charts, including her legendary hit “I Will Survive,” which became a cultural phenomenon and a powerful anthem of empowerment for millions worldwide. The biopic will also delve into the deeply personal challenges Gaynor faced, including overcoming her long and tumultuous marriage to her husband and manager.
Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive
The acquired documentary, Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive premiered at Tribeca Film Festival and makes its world television premiere on Lifetime. The film tells the story of Disco legend Gloria Gaynor, who for five decades, has inspired millions with her words I WILL SURVIVE, but only understood the lyrics when she hit rock bottom at age 65. The film follows Gloria as she embarks on a long and unexpectedly difficult journey to write and record a gospel album. The film is about reinvention, the power of faith and a magnificent second act that will inspire audiences to not just “survive but thrive.”
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