Mary J. Blige talks Black NativityPosted by Wilson Morales
November 25, 2013
Coming out this week in the musical film, ‘Black Nativity,’ directed by Kasi Lemmons and starring Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson, Tyrese Gibson, Jacob Latimore, Mary J. Blige, Nas, Luke James, and Grace Gibson.
In a contemporary adaptation of Langston Hughes’ celebrated play, “Black Nativity” follows Langston (Jacob Latimore), a street-wise teen from Baltimore raised by a single mother, as he journeys to New York City to spend the Christmas holiday with his estranged relatives Reverend Cornell and Aretha Cobbs (Forest Whitaker and Angela Bassett). Unwilling to live by the imposing Reverend Cobbs’ rules, a frustrated Langston is determined to return home to his mother, Naima (Jennifer Hudson). Langston embarks on a surprising and inspirational journey and along with new friends, and a little divine intervention, he discovers the true meaning of faith, healing, and family.
For Blige, who plays an “angel” named Platinum Fro, the Grammy Award singer gets to reunite with her ‘Betty & Coretta’ co-star, Angela Bassett. This film also comes out while Blige currently has a new album in stores, ‘A Mary Christmas.’
In speaking with Blackfilm.com, Blige talks about her character and working with Lemmons.
How would you describe Platinum Fro?
Mary J. Blige: I would say she’s an angel. She’s a guide. She’s an inspiration who leads young Langston out of trouble. She’s always there
What attracted you to the film?
MJB: The attraction was being the angel and what she was going to look like and how the part was fun and light and I needed that, at the moment. I needed something to be fun and light.
How much time did it take to put on the makeup and wig?
MJB: I knew I was going to wear a blonde Afro because in the script, the character was named Platinum Fro. On the set, it took 2-3 hours to get ready as far as the angelic makeup, the hair, and the long silver coat.
How much did you know about the story prior to taking on the role?
MJB: I feel bad for saying this, but I did not know the story. Someone mentioned to me that I should read a poem by Langston Hughes called “Mother to Son.”
Can you talk about working with Kasi and the rest of the cast?
MJB: It was an amazing energy on the set. Everyone was so professional and helpful and supportive to each other. Working with Jacob was amazing because he’s so young. I thought he was a seasoned short guy who’s about 23-24, but he’s in his teens. He’s so calm and ready. This kid is the real deal. I’ve been a Forest Whitaker fan for a long time and just seeing him work on the set was a thrill. The same goes with Angela, who I had the pleasure of working with on ‘Betty & Coretta.’ Seeing her turn into Coretta was pure inspiration and to see her on this set, it’s not the same, but she’s still Angela the great actress. It was good to hug her and talk to her after the time we spent together before. I didn’t see Jennifer Hudson until the last few days that I was there, and it’s always good to see her. She’s a great actress and an amazing singer. I love Tyrese to death. He’s very super supportive. He wants everyone to win, and that meant a lot to me. He gave me some information that helped with my small role. Kasi is just one of the best directors. She’s a female and so calm and sure of herself. She knows exactly what she wants and made everyone happy and comfortable.
What did you learn from her?
MJB: She was completely sure on what she wrote. She wasn’t changing things on the fly. She knew the story she wanted to tell and was very patient. There were some areas I watched where she could have gone nuts but she was very patient.
You have a song in the film. How was working with Raphael Saadiq on that?
MJB: Raphael and his team wrote the song and I loved working with him on it.
You also have a Christmas album in stores now. Can you talk about that?
MJB: I had done several Christmas songs before I did my album. David Foster had produced Andrea Bocelli’s first Christmas album and I did a song on that called ‘What Child is This.’ I also did a song on Rod Stewart’s Christmas album, and back in the day I covered Stevie Wonder’s ‘Someday at Christmas,’ wrote my own Christmas song with Angie Martinez. When David Foster came to me and asked if I was ready to do my own Christmas album, I immediately said yes. I wasn’t doing anything at the time and this is something I’ve always wanted to do and it was beautiful.
What’s a good reason to see Black Nativity?
MJB: Go see it because it’s a good story about hope and faith and it’s relatable. It’s about learning how to forgive people and understanding that we’re all human and we make mistakes and love changes everything. If you want that message, go see it. If you want to be entertained, go see it.
