LifetimeWhen Grammy-winning superstar Mary J. Blige originally wrote her hits “Real Love” and “Strength of a Woman,” she was searching for love, but ultimately found it in herself.
Now these songs serve as the inspiration for two Lifetime original movies debuting this month, where Blige serves as executive producer. The films, titled after each song, tell the ongoing journey, stretched across time, between 18-year-old Kendra (played by Empire’s Ajiona Alexus, who is also releasing a new single in June, “Made for Me”), as she sets off on her own for the first time at a historically Black university, and Ben (played by BMF and All American star Da’Vinchi), the man who ultimately changes her life forever. This is an emotional and complicated two-movie drama about pursuing dreams and learning about true love along the way. Here the stars share more.
What touched your heart when reading the scripts and listening to these songs?
Ajiona Alexus: There’s an authentic connection between the scripts and the songs that’s heartfelt. I couldn’t help but to reflect on my own experiences and the experiences of others I know. Watching Kendra and Ben navigate the challenges of life while searching for real love are the moments that will melt your heart.
Da’Vinchi: I am a lover boy at heart, so I was moved by the love story that the script presented. When I first read the script, I could relate to it. I also think the viewers will relate to the story because this is a story people can see themselves in.
What do you think audiences will appreciate about your characters and their journey?
Alexus: Kendra’s resilience and strength. She doesn’t allow life’s challenges to get in the way of her passion for photography. Regardless of her past, she’s determined to create a better life for herself and her family.
Da’Vinchi: Ben’s honesty throughout the film. For example, many men have poor qualities in today’s society, but they hide those qualities to make themselves seem like a better man. However, Ben is honest about his mistakes and expresses his honesty throughout the film.
If you could rate the emotional tone of the movies on tissues required, with 5 being a major tear-jerker, where would you put both movies on a scale of 1 to 5?
Alexus: During some of the scenes, everyone on set was in tears, as we touched on some very sensitive topics — infidelity, betrayal, substance abuse, grief and loss, to name a few. I would rate each movie a 5 on the tear-jerker scale. Keep some Kleenex close by!
Da’Vinchi: First movie I would rate 5. Second movie I would rate 4.
Who did you enjoy portraying more and why — your younger or older character?
Alexus: Being that this was my first leading role, in a movie, I was super excited about filming two movies consecutively. I genuinely enjoyed both roles — they are unique in their own way. I feel we can all learn something about life, through the experiences of younger and older Kendra. It was important for me to make strong choices to embody the character of both young and old Kendra, especially when dealing with such sensitive subject matters. Some of the scenes were so sensitive that we all had to break from filming to regroup from the emotional weight of the scene. My hope is that the audience will feel the gravity of the situations that Kendra experiences throughout the movies.
Da’Vinchi: Young Ben because I can relate to the storyline more than I can with older Ben. As a young guy myself, many of young Ben’s experiences I’m either experiencing now or I’ve experienced something close to it. Young Ben’s story connects with people my age, and that’s why I enjoyed portraying him more than older Ben.
Mary J. Blige’s Real Love Saturday, June 10, at 8pm ET/PT on Lifetime
Mary J. Blige’s Strength of a Woman Saturday, June 17, at 8pm ET/PT on Lifetime
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