Qué será, qué será— Whatever Will Be, Will Be. Before there was Selena Quintanilla and Jennifer Lopez, Puerto Rican music artist and actress Lisa Velez, best known from the 80s group Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam, was the Latina star of the 80s and 90s. Now the New York native will have her story told in a new Lifetime biopic
“Velez will executive produce and star in Can You Feel the Beat: The Lisa Lisa Story as her mother, and Jearnest Corchado (Sneaker Heads, Little America) will play the freestyle legend. In addition to Velez and Corchado, the project also stars Bre Z (All American, Empire) as Toni Ménage and NYC radio personality, Angie Martinez as Nurse Rodriguez.”
The movie takes us into the life of 15-year-old Puerto Rican Velez from her days growing up in Hell’s Kitchen. At the same time, she experienced sexism and racism amid being the first Latina artist to hit multiple music Billboard chart topper songs like “Can You Feel The Beat,” “All Cried Out,” and “Lost in Emotion.” The story also details how she fought breast cancer after being diagnosed when she was 21. Velez underwent chemotherapy while on tour and at the height of her fame. Something she kept private from her bandmates and family.
The project also highlights Velez’s devoted friendship with backup singer, Toni Ménage, whose unwavering support helped Velez learn to take control of her professional and personal life. Lifetime says the biopic tells the story of “two best friends who refused to allow themselves to be destroyed by the entertainment business, filled with twists and turns and ends triumphantly as the two refused to give up on their dreams.” —MSN.com
The biopic Can You Feel The Beat is borrowed from the title of a Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam track released in 1985 that peaked at No. 6 on Billboard’s Dance chart. The film will debut in 2025 as part of the network’s Voices of a Lifetime movie slate, alongside the previously announced Mary J. Blige’s Family Affair, executive produced by Blige and starring Ajiona Alexus and Da’Vinchi.
What Latin music artist did you most enjoy growing up and to this day? Comment @bsm_mag.
Photo: Getty Images
