Nina Simone comes to a New York theatre stage, as song rights controversy brews

Laiona Michelle performs in "Little Girl Blue," a musical based on the life of American singer, songwriter and civil rights activist Nina Simone, at New World Stages in New York City. Photo: AFP

In New York, an off-Broadway show is bringing queen of the blues Nina Simone back to life - but backstage, a battle has been brewing over rights to the anti-racist icon's songs.

"Nina Simone was constantly told to sit down and shut up: you're being too loud, you're the angry Black woman," said Laiona Michelle, who is performing the role of the late superstar in Little Girl Blue at a 200-seat hall in Manhattan's theatre district.