*Lifetime is producing a biopic on singer-actress Lisa Velez, best known from the ’80s group Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam.
The project, titled “Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story,” follows Velez’s journey from a 15-year-old Puerto Rican girl in Hell’s Kitchen to a music icon. Memorabilia TV writes: “The film will explore the challenges she faced, including sexism, racism, and a breast cancer diagnosis, as she became a groundbreaking Latina artist achieving multiple Billboard chart hits such as “Can You Feel The Beat,” “All Cried Out,” and “Lost in Emotion.” The film will also focus on the vital role of her best friend and backup singer, Toni Ménage, in supporting her throughout her career.”
Velez will executive produce the biopic and star as her mother, while Jearnest Corchado will portray Lisa. The cast also includes Bre Z as Toni Ménage and Angie Martinez as Nurse Rodriguez.
Tailiah Breon will direct “Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story” from a script by Rebecca Murga. Velez will produce for Swirl Films along with Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd, Toni Ménage, Abbey Sibucao, Ron Robinson, and Eric Tomosunas serving as executive producers with Richard Foster and Chet Fenster.
The biopic will premiere in 2025.
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“Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story” is part of the network’s Voices of a Lifetime movie slate alongside “Mary J. Blige’s Family Affair.”
Inspired by Blige’s best-selling hit “Family Affair,” the film continues Kendra (Ajiona Alexus) and Ben’s (Da’Vinchi) epic love story from Lifetime’s 2023 fan-favorite movies Mary J. Blige’s “Real Love” and Mary J. Blige’s “Strength of a Woman.” Here’s the synopsis:
The love story of Kendra and Ben began when 18-year-old Kendra set off on her own for the first time at an HBCU where she found herself falling hard for Ben. After discovering the meaning of “real love” and then leaving Ben behind to pursue her dreams Kendra becomes a successful photographer. When Ben unexpectedly comes back into her life, she is forced to a crisis point and must dig deep to find her “strength” and accept Ben’s love.
Executive producers Jordan Davis and John Davis of Davis Entertainment return to helm “Family Affair,” which began production in September. The film is set to premiere in 2025.
READ MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: RADIOSCOPE RAW Podcast: Our Uncut 1989 Interview with Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam / LISTEN
