Mary J. Blige to play in a Nina Simone biopic

American R&B singer Mary J. Blige signed up for upcoming movie entitled Nina. Shot by Hollywood director Cynthia Mort, the film is devoted to US jazz artist Nina Simone. According to the reports, the movie will concentrate on relationship between singer and her assistant Clifton Henderson.

Mary J. Blige is set to play Nina Simone herself, while Henderson will be portrayed by actor David Oyelowo, known for The Last King Of Scotland movie.

Nina Simone, whose real name is Kathleen Waymon, was born 1933. She is known for her contribution to different genres, such as jazz, blues, soul and folk. Her most well known songs include My Baby Just Cares For Me, I Put A Spell On You, Four Women, I Loves You Porgy and others. She died in 2003.

Her compositions were performed by a huge number of artists, ranging from Michael Jackson to Muse.

Mary J. Blige herself is currently on tour in support of 2009’s album Stronger With Each Tear.