Lifetime is bringing audiences the true story of pop singer Lisa Lisa in the upcoming biopic Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story.
The authorized biopic is part of the network’s Voices of a Lifetime 2025 TV movie slate, and is executive produced by and starring Latin hip-hop legend Lisa Velez as herself. New York radio lagend Angie Martinez and actors Jearnest Corchado and All American and Empire‘s Bre Z are also set to star.
The film is even more special because of its all-female production team, including director Taliah Breon, writer Rebecca Murga and executive producer Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd.
The film will follow the true story of Lisa Velez, who headlined ’80s supergroup Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam. Corchado will play younger Lisa, with Bre Z playing Toni Ménage, an original member of Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam. Ménage currently serves as Velez’s manager. Martinez plays Nurse Rodriguez.
Here’s more about the film:
The film tells the story of global phenomenon, Lisa Lisa who paved the way for artists like Selena and Jennifer Lopez to shine. As a 15-year-old Puerto Rican girl from Hell’s Kitchen, Lisa Velez endured sexism, racism and hid her breast cancer diagnosis to become the first Latina artist to hit multiple music Billboard charts including songs “Can You Feel The Beat,” “All Cried Out,” and “Lost in Emotion.” Lisa’s constant companion through her tumultuous ride to the top was her best friend and backup singer, Toni Ménage. Toni’s unwavering support helped Lisa learn how to take control of her professional and personal life. This true-life story of two best friends who refused to allow themselves to be destroyed by the entertainment business is filled with twists and turns and ends triumphantly as the two refused to give up on their dreams.
The biopic will debut on Lifetime in 2025.
Another film set to headline the Voices of a Lifetime film slate is Mary J. Blige’s Family Affair, executive produced by the singer and starring Ajiona Alexus and Da’Vinchi. The film is the third in Blige’s film series about Alexus and Da’Vinchi’s characters Kendra and Ben, whose love story were established in 2023’s Mary J. Blige’s Real Love and Mary J. Blige’s Strength of a Woman.
