Nicki Minaj coming to small screen, launches nationwide search for actress to play her younger version

Nicki Minaj is ready for a career in television. The rapper is set to executive produce and act in a new comedy series on ABC Family.

Minaj has signed to appear in a sitcom based on her life, Deadline reported. The half-hour show will be centered around her family’s move from Trinidad to United States, it added.

The 32-year-old rap star teased her social media fans about the news of her television debut when she posted a screen grab of ABC Family’s tweet about her on Instagram. She has also launched a nationwide search for a character who will play her younger self. “I am now launching a nationwide search to find #YoungNicki ___” she captioned the photo.

ABC Family announced the news Tuesday on Twitter. “BREAKING NEWS! @NickiMinaj is executive producing & appearing in a new @ABCFamily comedy based on her life!” tweeted the network.

The show will focus on Minaj's growing up years in Queens and how she evolved as a star. “Nicki Minaj is a force to be reckoned with at everything she touches… Nicki is an international superstar, yet not everyone knows how inspiring and hilarious her true story is, and we can’t wait to share it with the world,” Karey Burke, ABC Family’s EVP Programming and Development, said in a press release.

Along with Minaj, the show is co-executive produced by Aaron Kaplan, Kate Angelo, Stella Bulochnikov, Brian Sher and Gee Roberson.

The project will be based on her “unique adventures” in life, the rapper said in a statement, adding that she is already excited to start working on the project. Minaj will begin shooting for the show this winter in her hometown, Queens, New York, Deadline reported.

Minaj studied acting at LaGuardia High School in Manhattan before landing a music career. Her latest acting role was in the comedy film, “The Other Woman.” She has also been cast to play Draya, a hairdresser, in the upcoming film, “Barbershop 3.”

In the previous years, Minaj has executive produced two short films about her music career -- “Nicki Minaj: The Pinkprint Movie” and “Nicki Minaj: My Truth.”

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