NINA AND ZOE

Nina Simone (1933-2003) was an American jazz singer/ songwriter/ classical pianist and social activist whose musical genius helped to shape the genre of soul music of her time. She was born Eunice Kathleen Waymon to John Divine and Mary Kate Waymon in Tryon, North Carolina. The daughter of Christian Ministers, Eunice's musical talent was groomed from an early age. It was Englishwoman Muriel Mazzanovich who moved into Eunice's town, that taught her in the classical arts. She then went on to graduate at the top of her high school class and began her studies at Julliard in New York City on a scholarship grant awarded by her community(c. She thereafter applied to the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music where she was denied admission, which she cites as an act of racism. A music teacher by day Eunice supplemented her earnings by singing in bars and this is where she created the sobriquet "Nina Simone", in order to hide her night time activities from her strict Christian parents.Nina was discovered at the age of 24 and signed to Bethlehem Records and then to Coplix Records, a division of Colombia Pictures. She rose to fame in the 1960's music arena especially appealing to a night club based audience. Her music lives on today and her contribution to the industry is undeniable.This year the movie was released for video on demand by RLJ Entertainment. The Nina movie which focused on her career as a musician and her peculiar relationship with her manager Clifton Henderson (David Oyelowo). In the months leading up to the movie's release there was a public outcry from Nina's estate that the lead actress Zoe Saldana bore no resemblance to their high priestess of soul.

Niana Simone

Zoe Saldana

Now I must admit that prior to the controversy I knew very little about the late Ms Simone or rather I thought I knew very little because an internet search on the famous jazz musician revealed that I had in fact heard some of her music such as the powerful gospel inspired "Sinnerman"; "Feeling Good" which is often featured in current films; as well as her 1957 remake of Nate King Cole, Count Basie and Woody Herman's "My Baby Just Cares for Me". All the while ignorant of the very much acclaimed singer/ musician. At first I was skeptical of Zoe's ability to recreate the natural vibe of the American music legend but the movie stands as a testament to Ms Saldana's acting qualities and her own admiration for the legend. While the apparent differences may justify the casting of another actress as the lead role, Zoe's portrayal of Nina overshadows any questions about her lack of the resemblance to the late singer. Ms Saldana's dedication to the character is even praised by her costar David Oyelowo who reveals that he was blown away by Zoe's singing in the movie. Zoe loses herself in Nina and even manages to capture some of the late singer's nuances as she belts out some of Simone's hit singles for the movie Nina. Oyelowo further informs that Simone's former guitarist Al Shackman says that the singer would have loved that her story was told especially from the point of view of love, because she was a "big lover of love." 

I hope you get a chance to catch the Nina Simone biopic. It is a great story of a legend and Zoe Saldana's portrayal is indisputable. Leave us a comment below and tell us what you think