Mike Epps also stars. Producer and writer Cynthia Mort not only served as the film's writer, but its director as well. Nina has had its fair share of production issues. Mary J. Blige was once attached to the project, but she dropped out due to scheduling conflicts.

Saldana took over the lead, but drew criticism, especially from Simone's daughter Simone Kelly (via Entertainment Weekly). People were upset that the petite Saldana didn't sing, and that her skin differed from Simone's darker complexion.