John Legend is to bring his talents to a TV drama about Southern slaves fighting for freedom.

The Oscar-winning singer and his Get Lifted production company will be in charge of the score and soundtrack for WGN America’s new show Underground.

Aldis Hodge
Aldis Hodge stars in Underground (Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

Aldis Hodge, 28, stars as the organiser of an escape effort by plantation slaves in the drama.

“We are excited to join forces with WGN America and Sony and the talented team of writers and producers on this powerful project that we believe will inspire us all,” John said.

“This series has a unique opportunity to speak to the passion and courage of those who risked it all as they raced to freedom. We are honoured to bring our creative vision to this thrilling project.”

Underground, which also stars Jurnee Smollett-Bell and Christopher Meloni, is in production in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

John and his songwriting partner Common won the Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Original Song for their track Glory, from the civil rights movie Selma.

The 36-year-old singer is a civil rights activist whose multi-platinum selling music has inspired fans across the globe.

His Get Lifted banner recently produced the documentary Southern Rites, and the acapella docu-series Sing It On.

Underground will air in 2016 on WGN America.