Normani says ‘representation is key’ after experiencing racism on social media during her time with Fifth Harmony

Since the release of her debut single ‘Motivation’ this summer, former Fifth Harmony member Normani has established herself as a solo artist to watch. But in a new interview with The Fader, the magazine’s cover star explained that her girl group days taught her some valuable lessons.

When asked about her time with the group, Normani said, “I don't feel like while I was in the group anyone saw the truest version of me. I wasn't allowed the opportunity to showcase that.”

Not only did this include limited opportunities when it came to vocals and songwriting, but as the 23-year-old’s dance-heavy ‘Motivation’ music video proved, it also meant holding back on executing choreography.

The singer also opened up about a particularly painful moment that occurred when she was the target of racism on social media. Following a 2016 interview where Fifth Harmony fans felt that Normani didn’t compliment Camila Cabello in the same way she talked about the other group members, the cyberbullying became so overwhelming on Twitter that Normani announced she was “taking a break” from the platform.

“[The girls] offered support, but I'm not sure they could be there in the way that I needed because it's not their experience,” she recalled. “They don't have to face on a day-to-day basis the things that I have to. I definitely learned after that that I had to walk a different way. I can't look like everybody else.”

Despite rumors of tensions within the band and Cabello’s sudden departure, Normani explained, “We’re all on good terms,” later calling the five members “strong women.”

As she prepares for the release of her debut album in early 2020, Normani said, “I’m doing this as therapy for me. To be able to get to know myself in a way that hasn't even been revealed yet, to be vulnerable in a way that I haven't been before. I want this to be like a diary of all women - to reflect and showcase the many layers of us. We're not one-dimensional.”

She also shared that she’s hopeful her story will serve as encouragement to other young black women. “Being one of a few black women - but also dark skinned women - given the opportunity, representation is key,” she said. “I understand [the importance of] that responsibility. It's much more than just music.”