Universal Motown singer/songwriter KEM will make his big-screen acting debut in a remake of the 1976 film “Sparkle,” which is set in, and currently being filmed in, his hometown Detroit, Michigan.
KEM will play the part of club owner and Master of Ceremonies, ‘Buddy’ in the musical drama. Starring in the musical drama are Grammy® nominated and platinum recording artist Jordin Sparks (“American Idol” winner, Season 6), Multi-Grammy® Award winner Whitney Houston (The Bodyguard, Waiting to Exhale), Derek Luke (Antwone Fisher, Captain America: The First Avenger), Mike Epps (Jumping the Broom, Friday After Next), Carmen Ejogo (I, Alex Cross, Pride and Glory), Tika Sumpter (What’s Your Number?, “Gossip Girl”), Omari Hardwick (Kick Ass, The A-Team) and Grammy® Award winner, Cee-Lo Green.
SPARKLE tells the story of the title character, Sparkle (Jordin Sparks), the youngest of three sisters and a music prodigy who struggles to become a star while facing issues that are tearing her family apart. She is from an affluent Detroit area, naive to the unexpected experiences her new life will bring as she and her two sisters (Tika Sumpter and Carmen Ejogo) blossom into a dynamic singing group during the 1960’s when Detroit was music’s mecca. Whitney Houston plays the trio’s mother Emma. Mike Epps plays Satin, who lures Sparkle’s sister into an abusive drug-filled relationship while Sparkle ultimately overcomes the obstacles before her and learns to shine alone. The film is scheduled to be released in 2012.
“I’ve always had the idea that I’d like to try my hand at acting one day, and I’m very thankful to have the chance to do that with a classic film such as SPARKLE,” said KEM. “That the film is set in Detroit and being filmed in Detroit, only enhances this extraordinary experience for me.”
