Normani Says Fifth Harmony ‘Took A Toll’ On Her Confidence + Wondered If Her Solo Music Was ‘Black Enough’

Normani Says Fifth Harmony ‘Took A Toll’ On Her Confidence + Wondered If Her Solo Music Was ‘Black Enough’

While Normani is known as a solo star now, she said she had to get her confidence back after being in pop group Fifth Harmony.

The “Motivation” singer graces the cover of the latest issue of Women’s Health and opened up about feeling excluded in the group.

“[It] alters the perception you have of yourself. Having certain things happen so blatantly while also feeling like the ‘other’ and being so young and hearing the public compare [us] took a toll on my confidence.”

She continued:

“For a long time, I didn’t believe in myself because I didn’t feel like I was given the opportunity to.”

The group ultimately broke up in March 2018, as they launched solo careers.

Now, Normani says she speaks psoitive affirmations like “You are one of the greatest entertainers. You are a representation for an entire generation. You have purpose.” to keep her confidence.

“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.”

She added:

“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 they can be anything they want to be.”

Still, as a solo artist Normani said she had to overcome her own self-doubt as well.

“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.”

She continued:

“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. Hopefully, in the next few years I’ll have life a little bit more figured out,” she later added. “But if I don’t, I’m okay. I don’t think we ever have it all figured out. But anything that God has placed on my heart, I want to be fearless in.”

What are your thoughts on what Normani had to say? Comment and let us know.