Are You Ready for ‘R&B Divas’? Check Out the Cast of the New Show

June 26th, 2012 - By Brande Victorian

Source: Theybf.com

TV One is getting into the reality TV game but they’re starting out on a more positive note than some of its predecessors. You’ve probably heard the buzz about some r&b, lady, diva-like show for a bit now and after a few name and set changes, the network has announced that it’s new series, “R&B Divas” will debut on August 20 at 10 pm.

TV One executive VP of original programming and production Toni Judkins told Billboard from the get-go that the show is not about drama.

“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.”

So just who are these ladies? They’re some of our favs in the business. Here’s how they’re described in a press release for the new show.

Faith Evans: Faith has been in the industry for over 10 years and was previously married to the Notorius B.I.G.  And after winning a Grammy, dropping three platinum albums and becoming a NYT Best Selling author, she’s the center of this friendship circle of ladies.

Nicci Gilbert: She’s the lead singer/songwriter from the R&B group Brownstone.  She’s now spun her 15-year-career into the acting and fashion worlds.

Monifah: After getting her start singing background for reggae artist Maxi Priest, she worked with Heavy D to get her career and first album Moods…Moments off the ground in the late 90′s.  Fifteen years and 1 Gold certified album later, the “I Miss You” singer is currently writing, producing and recording her fourth CD as she continues performing live with her band “Soulution.”

Syleena Johnson:  The singer says she lost her love for music “for a minute because it broke my heart at one point…but I am glad to say that we are back together and learning to love each other again.” The daughter of the nation’s first black female police commissioner and legendary soul and blues singer Syl Johnson, she was initially discouraged from getting into the music business by her father, who had many disappointing experiences in the industry.But after training and a breakup with an abusive boyfriend, she embarked on a career 10 years ago.  She’s well known for handling the vocals on Kanye West’s “All Falls Down” track.

Ketara Shavon Wyatt, b.k.a. Keke Wyatt:  She’s the daughter of a Caucasian vocalist mother and an African American organist/vocalist father and started singing at two. KeKe grew up in the church, where the family had the image of a happy Christian family; but behind closed doors there were problems stemming from abuse and also adversity experienced by the family’s multi-racial background.  At the height of her career breakthrough, the “Nothing In This World” singer’s private struggle with domestic violence became the main focus in the media. In 2001, Wyatt was arrested for stabbing her husband; the charges were later dropped, but her career suffered from the negative attention. In 2004, the songstress signed to New Orleans based Cash Money Records.  Thanks to Hurricane Katrina, her album promo and sales suffered.  She now serves as a spokesperson for the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

The eight-episode, one-hour series will follow the ladies’ friendships and their professional and personal lives as they maneuver various life challenges like divorce, parenting issues, drugs, alcohol, physical abuse, and more. There’s also a feel-good aspect to the show in that Faith will be bringing the ladies together to produce a charity album inspired by Whitney Houston, and proceeds will benefit the Whitney E. Houston Academy of Creative and Performing Arts in East Orange, NJ.

I don’t know why Monday is such a hot night for reality TV but this definitely sounds like a show to add to the lineup. Will you tune in?

Brande Victorian is the news and operations editor for madamenoire.com. Follow her on twitter @Be_Vic.

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  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1234751726 Wanda Pinckney Spencer

    Yep, I’m addicted to them and to see Faith, one of my favorite R&B artist would be something new.

  • Shay

    I knew Faith would be involved, without reading the article. I don’t know why she came to mind though. I don’t know how successful this will be if all of these women are friends though. You know people will only watch if the show is a hot mess.

  • http://www.facebook.com/kwscott120 Kat Wilson-Scott

    No Thanks!!!! after Basketball Wives im done….too much drama….got enough of my own drama…

  • http://www.facebook.com/lynn.j.bryant Lynn Joseph Bryant

    Doesn’t really spark my interest. I have never heard of the majority of these folks. I guess Faith Evans will be the “star” of this show. Blah. Blah. Blah.

  • Madison

    Will definitely be watching. excited for this new show! I love me some Keke!!

  • JenniferW

    Please…please….TV1 PLEASE…tell me this show will be classy? I can’t take no more images of stereotypes of black women cause we are so much more….

  • OneFlyNatural

    No thanks…

  • NSquared

    Oh boooy. Here we go again. Firstly, ARE THEY WIVES???? Wait…I bet I know the answer to that. smh

  • MiMi

    “She’s the daughter of a Caucasian vocalist mother and an African American organist/vocalist father and started singing at two.”
    Lord, black folk! ^^ Where’s the extra credit for this??

  • http://www.sexyfocusedambitious.com/ Lauryn Doll

    For Why????

  • Pivyque

    Tired of reality shows. I don’t watch any of them anymore.

    • Treacle234

      I’m trying hard to give up reality tv show surrounding females but it does kill time when you have a lot of it

  • shame on you

    how real is reality tv? and why all the drama

  • MG

    NO not watching sick of people using reality tv to launch their music careers. There are no original ideas. Put a show on about black kids applying and getting into ivy league schools. How about that. Surprise Olivia did not jump on this. Cause she doesn’t get it. You had your moment and it passed!!!! I don’t mean to be rude but good music and good management is what they all need to release. They are all talented and have seen some storms. But I am really sick of these celebs putting everyone in their personal lives. What happen to discretion. Then when they get attacked and judged or when people ask questions about what was put forward they don’t want to talk about it. Please have a seat. Much respect for Jill Scott, Amil Laureuxx, and sometimes beyonce. Especially Aaliyah. We don’t nothing about their business. They would never do reality tv. Stop broadcasting and putting your life story out there. Put it in your music so you can address when you want to…. this will not kick start your career. OR do a documentary about where you been and get back to the music. I know they need income but reality tv you pay a high price with your private life. We live in a thirsty day and age. I know it sounds mean but these women have had their moments … its done. Move one or come strong. They are a lot older and the game has changed. Even beyonce will have a period where she will fade out. As long as her money is straight and family is there who cares. All careers stop eventually. Move on. D***. Everything is getting a reality show. S*** what is next “Old School Rappers”, “80s Actors” or “People who screwed up their career and at 47 they want to come back”… No No and no. Get the ivy league idea out that’s worth a watch.

    • bluekissess

      0mg you took the words out of my mouth. I never understood the harm in making music and “grindin” all of these women are talented. Less talking and more sangin. I’ll pass

  • Yvette

    If this show comes across the way it is intended, it will be great. I will give them a chance and tune into the first episode but if I even see a hint of ghettoness ( not a word I know..lol) such as bottles or punches being thrown, not speaking to each other but screaming and yelling instead…I’m out!

  • bluekissess

    What ever happened to making a good album, good promotion as your “comeback?” I’m not interested. These shows are getting redundant

    • Coco J

      Can I play devils advocate for a min lol?…I feel what ur saying, but the music game is totally different than it was 10-15 years ago…its hard enough for new artists to get on…so you can just imagine how hard it is for artists like these women to get BACK on b/c nowadays people don’t like giving artists second chances…furthermore, all of these women look like they have stories to tell…so what better way to get the people’s attention and tell them(besides the music) b/c there’s no guarantee that people will be as accepting if they just come out the blue with new music…I’ll be like “where the hell she been”

      • bluekissess

        Mariah Carey had a fabulous comeback without reality t v so it is possible. Music is based on word of mouth the more people like it the more exposure. They came in this business sangin they should continue to sing instead of meeting castmembers for lunch picking over a salad. It was a grind to get in the game it should be a. Grind to stay in the game. Use iTunes, YouTube live stream an intimate concert with new music. Reality is a lazy way for a come back.

        • Coco J

          Good point; However, you used Mariah Freakin Carey as an example lol…thats Mariah, she has a HUGE fan base and plenty of pull in the industry…not everyone is that lucky..but I get what u mean:)

  • Coco J

    Aww Shlit!..sounds interesting..that’s all I’m going to say for now…