While working on new material over recent months, Normani hopes to inspire a new generation of black female artists by following in the footsteps of Beyoncé.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated, the singer who first found fame as a member of the chart topping group Fifth Harmony, said: “For her to be a black woman, you know, that makes it even more special for me and encourages me and lets me know that that’s something not too big for me to dream, you know?” “Like, if she can do it, then a black girl like me can also do it, and hopefully continue to pave the way for black women for generations to come.”
Previously stating that Beyoncé helped to change the landscape of the music business, in an interview with Dazed magazine, the 29-year old added:
“This country album for Beyonce is so important. People can say what they want to but, like, why look at a black artist and be quick to label?” “That’s what I set out to do as well – like, there’s so much power in me. In the group, I didn’t recognise it – but now that I’m out of it, I recognise that it was my superpower, me in my blackness.”
Having discovered a sense of “freedom” after Fifth Harmony – with fellow group members Ally Brooke, Dinah Jane, Lauren Jauregui, and Camila Cabello – announced their 2018 hiatus, the Atlanta native explained “There’s a sense of freedom I have that I’ve been waiting for, a weight lifted – me just being able to be Normani, before I’m anything else.” “I’ve grown so much in my tastes, the things that I like are very different than the things I liked before, but I think it’s a perfect hybrid of past and present.”
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Author: Saul Goode
Photo: Mr_Duma