Normani Reveals Parents’ Cancer Paused New Music
“Wild Side” singer Normani reveals that she took a break from music after both her parents were diagnosed with cancer.
The 27-year-old, who recently announced that she was releasing her debut album “Dopamine,” revealed her reaction to her parents’ cancer diagnoses, stating, “This is bigger than the music. It’s bigger than what I’m trying to accomplish. This is life or death. All I wanted to do was be there for them.”
Normani revealed her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis in October 2020. Her mother, Andrea Hamilton, first had breast cancer when Normani was five years old, and it came back. In August 2021, her mom received her last round of radiation, and in 2023, her father was diagnosed with cancer.
During this difficult period in her life, Normani managed to release popular hits, including her debut solo single “Motivation,” “Dancing with a Stranger,” and “Love Lies.” She stated that her music at the time got her parents through their treatments and served as a wake-up call for her about the power of music. Her experience dealing with both her mother and father being sick helped her to find her purpose in music.
“It was in those moments with my parents that made me realize that I have an opportunity to make an impact in this lifetime. I know everything I’ve been through isn’t in vain. There’s always something that God wants me to see in the season. It’s all in service of making me better for all that he actually has in store for me,” stated Normani about her revelation.
Before pursuing a solo career, the “Wild Side” singer was a part of a girl group called Fifth Harmony with Camila Cabello, Lauren Jauregui, Ally Brooke, and Dinah Jane. During their time together, the group released popular hits, including “Work from Home,” “Miss Movin’ On,” and “Worth It.” Her style of music has evolved from her Fifth Harmony days to now, and she welcomes transformation, stating, “I have to allow myself opportunity and room to grow. I never want to feel like I’ve reached a point where I’ve got it all figured out, especially creatively.”
Normani also expressed that her goal is to be proud of the work she is putting out, regardless of what the world has to say about it. To her, “Dopamine” is an ode to what she has been through to get to where she is. It represents her liberation and her journey of having faith even when feeling afraid.
Be sure to stream Normani’s album on all platforms when it is released.
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