R&B songstress Mary J. Blige will tune up her jazz vocals after signing to star in Cynthia Morts Nina, a movie about legendary singer Nina Simone.

Morts script focuses on Simones relationship with her assistant Clifton Henderson, who will be played by David Oyelowo, backers said.

William Morris Endeavors Global Finance & Distribution Group brought the film to U.K. production, finance and studio facility operator Ealing Studios.

Ealing is financing, producing and selling internationally the $10 million movie scheduled to shoot in the fall this year. WME Global is handling North American rights.

Simone was a singer, songwriter, pianist, arranger and civil rights activist.

Morts resume includes a stint as a writer-producer on TVs Rosanne and Will & Grace and as creator of Tell Me You Love Me.