Mary J. Blige has signed a new three-picture deal with Lifetime, solidifying her relationship with the network, per ratedrnb.com. The partnership kicks off with the original movie “Mary J. Blige Presents Be Happy,” scheduled to premiere on February 7 at 8pm ET.
The film, inspired by the lead single from Blige’s seminal 1994 album My Life, follows the success of her previous trilogy, which included Real Love, Strength of a Woman and Family Affair.
Directed by Oscar nominee Gabourey Sidibe, the story centres on Val (played by Tisha Campbell), a 50-year-old woman facing “empty-nest” syndrome. After her youngest child departs for university, Val finds herself drifting from her husband, Ross (Russell Hornsby). A spontaneous trip to New Orleans leads her to Peter Mosley (Mekhi Phifer), a charismatic photographer who encourages her to rediscover her artistic passions and self-worth.
The project is a collaboration between Blige’s Blue Butterfly Productions and Mona Scott-Young’s Monami Productions. This announcement comes as Lifetime expands its music-inspired slate, with a Toni Braxton double-feature set to debut this month.
