Tone Trump Teams Up With CEO Nafees for New Series "POVERTY"

Philly's Tone Trump Joins Director CEO Nafees in New Venture

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Let me introduce our first original scripted series. The name of the series is appropriately titled “POVERTY,” as it deals with the complexities of single parenthood, trauma, and the everyday struggles of life in Philadelphia. The City of Brotherly Love can often feel loveless and harsh, and “POVERTY” will serve as a perfect depiction of navigating the Philadelphia streets.

We are currently filming on location in Philadelphia. This project is bigger than just a show/series. It’s a direct investment into the revival of Philly’s film and TV industry that will hire local talent, building crews from within the city, while showing that world class, culturally powerful content can be made right here, not outsourced. For Philly By Philly serves as the main focal point of this project.

I'm creator and writer of the “POVERTY” series, I also star as Mr. Muhammad; a former convict who now leads a court mandated life skills program for adults on probation. The story is raw, dramatic, and deeply human. These are real people: addicts, ex-cons, struggling parents, all trying to change their lives under immense pressure. Every day struggles compounded with second opportunities to right some wrongs, put on the big screen and serving as a cautionary tale of how every decision can positively or negatively impact life.

The show is directed by CEO Nafees, and we’re backed by an incredible executive production team: Five-time Grammy winner CeeLo Green, Grammy and Emmy winner Ice T, and film and fashion mogul Rich Coleman.

At its heart, “POVERTY” follows four strong Black women living through the realities of poverty, trauma, motherhood, and survival, all while navigating systems that were never built for them to succeed.

Also making guest appearances will be “New Jack City” star, Ice T, “Konvict Muzik founder, Akon, and Julito McCullum from the hit TV show, “The Wire.” We’re also introducing rising stars Diaz and Kelina, two fresh faces delivering breakthrough performances, with goals of becoming household names.

This is more than entertainment. It’s authentic, timely storytelling with a mission to spotlight what real people face every day in Philly and beyond. Aside from the obvious authenticity, lessons, and storytelling aspect of the series, “POVERTY” will also create jobs, build opportunities, and help put Philadelphia back on the map as a force in TV and film industry.