Marvin Sapp: Transformation of a Music Icon

The story of gospel artist Marvin Sapp is headed to TV One in the form of an epic biopic slated for summer 2022.

According to TV One, the film titled Never Would Have Made It: The Marvin Sapp Story, Chaz Lamar Shepherd, will star as the iconic artist and Ambre Anderson will play Sapp’s late wife, MaLinda Prince Sapp. The couple share three children together, Marvin II, Mikaila, and Madisson.

Sapp responded to the news about his upcoming biopic while reflecting on the filming process.

“Yesterday something began that was not in my personal vision for my life, however, it was in God’s plan. I’ve been blessed to have an amazing musical career… millions of records sold. I’ve been nominated and or have received every award in this music industry along with crossover success on multiple songs that I’ve written or performed,” he captioned his Instagram post.

https://www.instagram.com/marvinsapp/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=826925ad-9018-4f23-9e84-1ae27012356d

Yesterday something began that was not in my personal vision for my life, however, it was in God’s plan. I’ve been blessed to have an amazing musical career… millions of records sold. I’ve been nominated and or have received every award in this music industry along with crossover success on multiple songs that I’ve written or performed. I’ve founded multiple businesses, churches, and I’m pastoring an incredible church now. Daily I pause and tell God, ‘thank you’ for trusting me with His gifts, and I express my appreciation for the amazing opportunities that He drops in my lap. Some opportunities I’ve accepted, but most I turn away because every good idea isn’t a God idea.

“These are clips from the biopic based on my life that is currently being filmed. My life is being immortalized on film and will be shown on a major network soon. This is so humbling. I didn’t seek it. It sought and found me, and for this I’m grateful to Him,” he added.

Sapp’s biopic is named after his widely-successful 2007 hit single and will follow the 55-year-old’s childhood from struggling with alcohol abuse as a teenager to rising to global gospel artist. The biopic will also chronicle his love story with his wife MaLinda, who passed away in 2010 after battling cancer.

“It is an honor to tell Marvin Sapp’s life story,” said Jason Ryan, TV One’s executive producer, in an official statement. “His vast contributions to the gospel and American music are undeniable. We know this film will resonate with our viewers.”

With more than 30 years attached to his accomplishments after rising to prominence as a member of Commissioned back in the ‘90s, Sapp is also a radio show host, author, senior pastor of The Chosen Vessel Cathedral in Dallas, Texas, and pastor emeritus of Lighthouse Full Life Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a church founded by his late wife.

Never Would Have Made It: The Marvin Sapp Story will be released on Aug. 21.