Watching black women from Atlanta fight on TV is apparently the new formula for ratings gold, so TV One is now trying to get in on the act with R&B Divas, a new reality show debuting this month that will feature a cast of well-known female singers and their various dramas.
There are the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” and there’s “Love and Hip Hop Atlanta,” not to mention the scripted show “Single Ladies,” so now we get a show that sounds like a combination of all three. Singer Faith Evans is the biggest name in a cast that also features Keke Wyatt, Monifah, Nicci Gilbert and Syleena Johnson.
“TV One looks to bring viewers great storytelling that portrays authentic black life in America today,” said TV One Executive Vice President of Original Programming and Production Toni Judkins. “The ladies of R&B Divas are truly talented and amazing women individually and when you bring them together into one TV show, you have an incredibly compelling story. And, these ladies have known each other in the industry for quite a while. We aren’t creating relationships for the sake of a television show, so their actions, relationships and emotions are authentic and true to life – and it makes for a powerful narrative.”
This is how TV One describes the arc of the show:
They are all juggling myriad personal challenges and responsibilities in addition to making music – including raising families. Faith prepares for a major move as she maintains her businesses and helps manage the estate of a music icon. She also launches a new hair care product line, Glass Hair Products. Monifah reveals a bombshell that could drive a wedge between them. Keke is pregnant and the women are convinced that she can’t go anywhere without her husband/manager. Nicci is launching a new plus-sized clothing line called Curvato, while Syleena makes a career decision that will affect her entire family and put additional strain on her financially. Also captured is their most recent powerhouse tribute performances during the 2012 Essence Music Festival, where the ladies honored Donna Summer, Vesta Williams, Nick Ashford, Etta James, and Whitney Houston.
And if you don’t remember why these women are R&B Divas, here are there bios, provided by TV One:
– Faith Evans. She won a Grammy for “I’ll Be Missing You,” her tribute to her late husband Notorious B.I.G. She has three platinum albums under her belt, too. The 39-year-old singer has six total Grammy nominations.
– Nicci Gilbert. She’s the lead singer/songwriter with Brownstone and was nominated for a Grammy for their biggest hit in 1995, “If You Love Me.’ While starring in Tyler Perry’s hit play “Meet the Browns,” Nicci decided to pursue a career as a playwright and producer.
– Monifah. She has a Wikipedia page and a few minor R&B hits under her belt but has never broken it big. She has worked with the likes of Heavy D and Teddy Riley.
– Syleena Johnson, a soul singer, has released several albums. She too has never had any major hits but has built a following. (Her Facebook page has 12,000 followers.)
– Keke Wyatt had a platinum-selling solo debut album “Soul Sista” but her career suffered after she was arrested for stabbing her husband. (Charges were later dropped. She herself later said she was a victim of domestic violence and merely defending herself.)
