The film is based on the life story of Higginson's sister, Doris Troy, a preacher's daughter who sang in a church choir before being discovered by James Brown. Troy's niece, Knoelle, who played the lead role in the off-Broadway production, makes her film debut.
Reportedly completed in June 2009, an official trailer released in September 2009. The film was set to premiere in New York City that month, but was canceled due to technical issues.[1] Following several planned and canceled dates,[2]Mama, I Want to Sing! was finally released straight-to-DVD on February 14, 2012.
Plot
Amara Winter (Ciara), a beautiful and charismatic young singer, is on the verge of stardom. Raised in the church by her father, Reverend Dr. Kenneth Winter (Marvin Winans) and mother, Lillian Winter (Lynn Whitfield), Amara and her younger brother Luke (Kevin Phillips) have a very strong bond. After her father's untimely death, her mother is thrust into the limelight in the role as preacher, a daring move that ultimately catapults her to the top of the gospel world. Paralleling her mother's success, Amara soon becomes a huge star in her own right, taking the R&B world by storm.
Conflict begins to ensue when her mother is confronted with, and unequivocally disapproves of, Amara's secular music and videos. Amara must learn to pursue her dreams while navigating the often treacherous world of celebrity and striving to remain true to herself and family. Amara and her mother must work through their differences realizing that their journeys are not quite so different after all.
Tarralyn Ramsey and Paris Bennett auditioned for the role of Amara before CodeBlack Entertainment offered the role to Ciara. Vy Higginsen, the original playwright for the off-Broadway production of "Mama, I Want to Sing!", assisted Charles Randolph-Wright with the script. Shalyric Self was set to portray the younger version of Amara, but due to contract issues, she was replaced by Mariah Roberson.[3] The film was shown on BET for the first time on August 19, 2012.
Songs
Mama I Want To Sing: The Soundtrack was released on January 18, 2011.[4]
Tug of War | Deitrick Haddon
Walk Around Heaven | Patti LaBelle
I Will | Paris Bennett
Living Not in Vain | Fred Hammond feat. Smokie Norful
Mama, I Want to Sing! | Kierra Kiki Sheard
Be Grateful | Fred Hammond feat. Cynthia Simon
U Got Me Through | 21:03 feat. J Moss
For Me | B.R.I.G.G. feat. Eric Griggs
I'm Gonna Serve the Lord | Johnny B. Williams
Jus' 1 of Dem Days | Irocc Williams
Sick-n-Tired | Karen Clark Sheard feat. Kierra Kiki Sheard
