Hiphop royalty Nicki Minaj goes to the small screen.
Minaj confirmed that she will be producing and starring in her own sitcom on her Instagram saying, “I am honored and excited to announce that I've literally hand picked the main characters of my scripted series "Nicki" ~ #ABCFamily #Freeform ~ I've been going to the auditions falling in love with some incredible people. Looking forward to unveiling this groundbreaking new show for you guys in 2016!”
The series, titled “Nicki”, will tell the story of Minaj’s childhood in Queens in the 1990s. Child actress Ariana Neal will be playing the young Minaj, as reported in the singer’s Instagram on another post. “I literally cried watching her taped audition. I demanded to meet her! Sat in a room with her teaching her how to rap by doing a beat on the table & forcing her to stay on beat! Lol. Then pulled out all the attitude she had in her lil body. Haha! She's tough! And so sweet & cute. #ArianaNeal #LilNicki Welcome to the family lil lady bug! #ABCFamily #Freeform #Nicki “
According to the Rolling Stone, additional casts were already selected to film the series pilot. Model Selita Ebanks and actor Westley Jonathan will be playing Minaj’s parents. Whoopi Goldberg also guest stars as Miss Martha, Minaj’s neighbor. Minaj’s older brother will be played by actor McCarrie McCausland. It was not yet revealed what role Minaj will play in the comedy series.
The pilot will be directed by Tim Story and will be penned by Kate Angelo. The ABC Family’s EVP Programming and Development, Karey Burke, told Deadline about the upcoming project. “Nicki Minaj is a force to be reckoned with at everything she touches. Nicki is an international superstar, yet not everyone knows how inspiring and hilarious her true story is, and we can’t wait to share it with the world.”
The series will be premiering in ABC Family but they did not announce any dates yet.
