Normani Questioned Whether Her Work Was Black Enough

Source: Dennis Leupold for Women’s Health / DENNIS LEUPOLD

On establishing a more fulfilling career:

“For a long time, I was stressed out about checking boxes like, ‘Is this Black enough? Is this pop enough?’ But music started feeling way better when I just went into the studio with the mentality of being Normani. People will always remember how you made them feel and what a record did for them. My lyrics have more depth, and they’re more intentional and come from a more authentic place, because I now feel more connected to myself than before.”

After a career as part of a pop group it’s easy to understand why Normani initially questioned whether her music was black enough but we’re glad she’s no longer thinking that way. Do you all ever find yourself having these kinds of doubts?

Source: Dennis Leupold for Women’s Health / DENNIS LEUPOLD

This was probably our favorite photo of the bunch. Normani looks stunning in white and this cut accentuates her curves perfectly.

On learning to go with the flow:

“I’m an overachiever. If I put 99.9 percent into something, then that’s my selling myself short. But I think there’s levels to that, which I became more aware of last year.”

Source: Dennis Leupold for Women’s Health / DENNIS LEUPOLD

On how lockdown has strengthened her relationship with her mind and body:

“I’ve been able to meditate more and take a time-out before allowing anybody else to affect my energy. Before I talk to anybody, before I look at a text, before I go on Instagram, I center myself in my room and pray and do breathing exercises and create my own space so that I have a foundation to walk on throughout the rest of the day.”

Sounds like sis is in a super zen space.

Source: Dennis Leupold for Women’s Health / DENNIS LEUPOLD

On adding yoga to her daily routine:

“It’s spiritual for me. I’m working out, but I’m also becoming more in tune with my body. Having more awareness about what’s going on pushes me to be in the now and to breathe, which is something I desperately needed because I’m always thinking ahead or dwelling on something that could’ve been better. I did not know I needed this time as much as I did because I was going, going, going. But now, I’m able to be more intentional and give things the proper focus they deserve.”

Source: Dennis Leupold for Women’s Health / DENNIS LEUPOLD

On positive thinking:

“Words of affirmation are new for me. I look at myself in the mirror and manifest and speak things that I want to happen as if they already did, as if I’m already that version of myself…I’ve tried to flip it and control that narrative for myself.”

Listen though… She really has flipped everything in her favor. It’s been incredible watching her growth.

Source: Dennis Leupold for Women’s Health / DENNIS LEUPOLD

On how performing is innate to her:

“I’m at home when I’m onstage. I don’t feel misunderstood, judged, like I have to fit inside a barrier. I feel like I can be anything.”

Source: Dennis Leupold for Women’s Health / DENNIS LEUPOLD

On her celebrity fan base including the likes of Rihanna, Janet Jackson and Beyonce:

“It’s alarming when people you’ve looked up to, respect, and who kind of define who you are believe in you. But it definitely gives me confidence. I’m grateful to feel seen and heard and like I can be the voice for so many people. Being a Black woman, I feel we’re so multifaceted and have so much that we’re capable of. It’s really important to show Black girls and Black boys that can be anything they want to be.”

Keep going Normani! You’re up and you’re winning. We know how much pressure must be on your shoulders but you’ve already proven you’re more than capable.

What are some of your favorite Normani moments?