IN CONVERSATION WITH NORMANI

interview by JANA LETONJA

Normani has firmly established herself as one of the most dynamic and multifaceted voices in modern pop and R&B. A multi-platinum recording artist, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist, she’s built a career defined by both artistic excellence and authenticity. With the release of her long-awaited debut album ‘Dopamine’ in 2024, Normani ushers in her most confident and creative era yet. Beyond the stage, she continues to use her platform for purpose, serving as Diversity Ambassador for The Cybersmile Foundation and Global Ambassador for the American Cancer Society.

full look SERGIO HUDSON
shoes GIANVITO ROSSI

What did and still does your debut album ‘Dopamine’ represent for you personally and artistically?

‘Dopamine’, for me, represents something more personal than even artistic, based on the fact that it was such a labor of love. I spent six years of my life devoted, committed, and dedicated to it, even when I was met with so many different adversities. I feel like it really is a symbol of perseverance and resilience for me.

I had so many things going on personally in my life as well, which made finishing the body of work very difficult. Both my parents were diagnosed with cancer, and I was also dealing with mental health challenges throughout the process and the journey, along with losing people in my life. There were so many factors and components that made it feel very difficult for me to get ‘Dopamine’ to the finish line. I appreciate and commend myself for not giving up. For me, that’s the most important takeaway from ‘Dopamine’ and from that era overall, my ability to endure, to continue to fight, and to pick myself up each time I was knocked down.

Artistically and creatively, I allowed myself the opportunity to stay true to who I am, even if I looked crazy to people on the outside. I was willing to bet on myself, and I knew I owed it to myself to experiment and explore, because I had never been given that opportunity before. I didn’t take that for granted. I’m really proud of the body of work I put out creatively and grateful for the support I had from the producers, writers, A&Rs, management and everyone along the way and on my journey to getting that body of work out. But like I said, my biggest takeaway and what I’m most proud of is my resilience and the strength I found within myself through everything I went through in order to get the album out.

full look SERGIO HUDSON
shoes GIANVITO ROSSI

You’ve grown up in the spotlight, from Fifth Harmony to now leading your own lane. How has your relationship with music and fame evolved over time?

I think there’s just a whole new level of maturity now. I started in Fifth Harmony when I was 14 or 15, and now I’m 29. I’ve lived a lot of life in between then and now and had so many personal experiences. I feel like I’ve really come into my own.

When I watch old videos of myself in the group, I can see that I’m the same person, but I’m also so different. I’m proud of my evolution, especially internally, in terms of the personal work I’ve done and the growth I’ve experienced. There’s a whole new level of confidence there, and also a deeper understanding of what it means to set boundaries for myself and protect my peace. I share so much of myself with the world, and as artists, a lot of us do, so it’s become really important to focus on what keeps me mentally, spiritually, and emotionally well. I feel like I’m able to manage it all better now. What used to feel like a big deal just isn’t anymore. The things that once overwhelmed or consumed me, don’t hold that same power. I’ve learned how to protect my peace and maintain it, no matter what the circumstances are.

A big part of that comes from my faith. I lean on God so much. He’s been such a source of strength and support for me as I navigate everything. It’s not easy, it can be difficult, and people often put us on a pedestal. But I find my strength in God, in my family, in the people who truly know me, and in continuing to pour into myself.

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Looking back, what lessons did your experience in Fifth Harmony teach you about creativity, resilience, and artistry?

Well, to be quite honest, we did the best we could with what we were given. We weren’t able to write until the last project, which I think helps explain why ‘Dopamine’ was so important to me. It was my first real opportunity to freely create, to experiment, and to truly think about what I wanted to say. I wanted that album to represent me, and I didn’t take that opportunity for granted.

In the group, we were individuals and came in as solo artists, but it was made very clear early on that the focus was the entity of Fifth Harmony. A lot of the time, we were told what role to play and who we were within that dynamic. So, we did the best we could. Artistically expressing ourselves through fashion, in interviews where our personalities could shine. But musically, we didn’t really have much opportunity until the last project.

We all had voices and a lot to say, but at the time, I don’t think that was fully valued or taken seriously. We had to pay our dues. Now, we’re finally able to express ourselves individually in ways that feel authentic to who we are. We had to fight for that freedom, and it wasn’t until the last project that we got even a taste of it. In that way, we all developed our resiliency, but it was developing internally. For us, self-expression and creativity often came through what we wore or how we presented ourselves visually. Even then, each of us still had a role to play. For me, being on stage, that was my chance to really be myself. Visually and through performance, that’s where I felt like I had some space and freedom to fully express who I was.

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shoes MM6 MAISON MARGIELA

You’ve become an inspiration for young Black women in pop and R&B. How conscious are you of that representation when you’re creating?

For me, representation is incredibly important. I remember growing up watching Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, Destiny’s Child, Aaliyah, Brandy, Monica, Ashanti and Ciara. Seeing myself in them gave me the opportunity to believe that I could actually attain those things for myself. Especially as not just a Black girl or brown girl, but a chocolate girl. Colorism is so real. Being able to see women who looked like me, who embodied strength and beauty while challenging stereotypes about Black women, especially in music, meant everything. We’re so multifaceted and multidimensional, there are so many layers to us.

Seeing Janet in her divine femininity and softness, having her as my standard of beauty, made me feel beautiful and capable of achieving what she was doing. That representation was powerful.

That’s also why, with motivation, I wanted it to be a visual representation of me, my community, my family, my cousins, my friends, and even the kids I’ll have one day. Any opportunity I get to represent, I don’t take lightly or for granted. As Black women, we represent so much. I’m Normani first and foremost. And I’m also a Black woman who loves pop, R&B, and country. I’ve given myself the freedom to just be, and that’s liberating. In the beginning, I was so focused on making sure I represented well, whatever that meant to me at the time. But now, I’ve learned that I’m enough. Over the past couple of years, especially while working on this project, I’ve really embraced that I’m enough in whatever it is that I do.

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shoes MM6 MAISON MARGIELA

You’ve spoken about the importance of diversity and inclusion online through your work with The Cybersmile Foundation. Why is that mission so close to your heart?

It’s incredibly important to me because I’ve experienced it firsthand. I know what it’s like to be bullied, especially online. There was a situation that happened while I was in the group years ago, and I feel like it completely changed how I interact and engage on social media even to this day.

A lot of people see that I’m not very active online, but I know my reasons for that and where it stems from. In a way, it robbed me of the kind of relationship I want to have with social media and with my fans. I’m still working on that. I don’t think people always understand that we’re human at the end of the day. So much of what’s said online can be inhumane and lacks empathy. And that’s not just within music, it’s something that exists throughout our generation as a whole.

You never really know what someone is going through. Thank God I had an incredible support system, my parents, my friends, but everyone’s tolerance and strength level are different. You have to be mindful of that. It costs nothing to be kind.

The alignment made sense because this is something I’ve personally experienced. I understand what it means to go through something that traumatic, those experiences can last a long time. Even though I’ve healed a lot from it and I’m so grateful for that, those things stay with you. If you let them, they can dictate how you navigate life. Being an advocate and speaking up will always be important to me. It always has been, and it always will be.

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As a Global Ambassador for the American Cancer Society, you’ve also made giving back a priority. How do philanthropy and artistry connect for you?

It all comes down to purpose. I truly feel that God has given me an incredible platform and an amazing opportunity to use the gifts He’s blessed me with to the fullest of my capacity. It’s not just about the records we put out, it’s about impact. There’s so much darkness and heaviness in the world right now. I’m sure you can feel the climate of it, and so, it’s about being the light I’ve been called to be. I want to be a representation and embodiment of the love I’ve received from God. His calling for me isn’t limited to music. It’s about being of service. How can I inspire others? How can I lead by example and be someone the next generation can look to? Whether it’s through film, a simple conversation, or just the example I set, you never know how something you say or do might change the trajectory of someone’s life.

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How do you maintain your mental and emotional well-being in an industry that can be so demanding?

It changes based on the season, because what’s required of me really varies depending on what I have going on around me. It’s about checking in with myself, assessing where I am, and being honest about what I need, recognizing “Okay, this might be my capacity right now.” Working out has been an incredible outlet. I feel great, not for aesthetic reasons, but because it sharpens my mind. It helps build a whole new level of endurance, both mentally and physically.

I also read my devotionals every morning, that’s how I set the tone for my day, staying grounded and connected with God. Sundays are reserved for church and rest because rest itself is a form of worship. It’s how I recharge, rejuvenate, and re-center myself. But fun things too. I love going to the movies with friends or family. It gives me a sense of normalcy. I also love the beach to reflect, journal, and just listen to the ocean. It’s so peaceful. Recently, I’ve been making an effort to spend more time outdoors. I’ve realized I need to be more intentional about that, especially since I spend so many hours in the studio. Even just going for a 15-minute walk or getting some fresh air makes a huge difference.

Overall, it’s really about pouring into myself and prioritizing my well-being. It’s easy to lose sight of that in the midst of a busy schedule and always striving for what’s next. But as important as it is to have the endurance to keep going, it’s equally important to unplug. I have to take care of myself so I can give my best, whether that’s in my work, my relationships, or any other area of my life. I can’t pour from an empty cup, so I have to make sure that I’m well.

blazer LUAR
sunglasses and shoes TOM FORD
gloves MANOKHI

You’ve achieved so much already, from platinum records to major awards. What are you most proud of when you look at your journey so far?

Honestly, just the fact that I’m here, doing what I always set out to do. That was always the plan. I think it’s a testament to my resilience. Nothing has ever come easy for me, nor did I ever expect it to. I’ve been through a lot of pain and have been forced to be resilient, not just in my career, but in my life overall.

When I was nine years old, I was displaced from my home in New Orleans because of Hurricane Katrina. I had to leave everything I knew behind and completely start over in Houston, which I’m incredibly grateful for. I love Houston, they welcomed me and my family with open arms. But that wasn’t something I ever signed up for, and it came with a lot. Then there were personal battles. My mom was diagnosed with cancer when I was five, and again later in my adult life while I was trying to put an album out. Then my dad was diagnosed with cancer, too. On top of that, I’ve lost people in my family, all while trying to keep moving forward and do my best with the circumstances I’ve been given.

So, what I’m most proud of isn’t an award, a chart position, or a record sold. It’s the woman I’ve become in spite of the adversity. In spite of the pain, the heartache, and everything that’s happened, I’m proud that I’m still standing.

blazer LUAR
sunglasses and shoes TOM FORD
gloves MANOKHI

As an artist who’s always pushing boundaries, what kinds of risks or new directions excite you most right now?

I feel like I have a whole new sense of freedom this time around. I have so much bottled up in me creatively that I’m ready to release. There have already been talks about a new body of work, a new project, and I’m really excited and eager to dive into it.

There was so much pressure surrounding that first album. I felt the weight of it, the expectations, the uncertainty, because you only get one debut. You never get that first album back. So now that I’ve done it, I feel like, okay, let’s do it again, but this time, let’s actually have fun. Let’s free ourselves from expectations, not just from the public, the fans, or the industry, but from ourselves too.

I’m excited to push myself to have fun, because I felt robbed of that the first time around. Now, I won’t say there’s nothing I’m afraid of, but I’m definitely not as afraid as I once was. Having gone through everything I have in my personal life, especially with my parents’ health, it really puts things in perspective. Those were life-threatening moments. If I was able to come through it and still be resilient enough to finish and release an album, even if it didn’t go exactly how I envisioned, then really, what’s the worst that can happen? At this point, I’m not afraid of much. I trust myself, and I owe it to myself to have fun and truly enjoy the process this time.

What can you share with us about your upcoming projects?

I don’t want to give too much away. I can definitely say that I acknowledge where I came from.

TEAM CREDITS:

talent NORMANI
creative direction RYAN LUCCA
photography and direction ROBIN HARPER
styling BRADLEY KENNETH at A-Frame Agency
makeup ROKAEL LIZAMA
hair ASHANTI LATION
digital tech COLIN HOEFLE
gaffer DANIEL KAGLE
key grip ALEX PERALES
director of photography NATASHA ABDUL
first assistant JULES PEREZ
producer JENNIFER ROVERO
extras SPENCER WALLING, PAUL SIDHU, GERARDO BARRIENTOS, HANNAH ROSENBERG and IDA SHAHMORADI
props HISTORY FOR HIRE
equipment SPECIAL PURPOSE LIGHTING AND GRIP
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN