Leigh-Anne Pinnock wants to collaborate with Normani and KATSEYE‘s Manon.
The former Little Mix star revealed she would love to team up with Manon Bannerman – who recently took a break from KATSEYE for her “health and wellbeing” – and Fifth Harmony’s Normani, 29.
When asked by a fan on social media about her dream collaborators, Leigh-Anne replied: “Me, Manon and Normani, yeah? Fire.”
All three artists were the lone Black members of their girl groups and Leigh-Anne, 34, previously spoke about the difficulties they have faced.
Speaking on the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ radio station Gaydio, she said: “There is some kind of vicious cycle going on right now with Black girls in girl groups. We see it all the time, so I’m glad people are speaking about it and highlighting it.
“I take a lot of comfort in talking to other artists that are going through something similar, because there was a point where I never got to do that. I remember, when I had other Black members of girl groups reaching out to me and saying ‘I feel you, I see you, I’m feeling exactly the same,’ really taking comfort in those moments and thinking, ‘Oh god, I’m not alone.’ So I feel like it’s really important that we all keep talking to each other and support each other.”
Leigh-Anne’s comments came after it was revealed that Manon, 23, was taking a break from KATSEYE, just after the group was nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammys.
The band posted on social media platform Weverse: Hello. After open and thoughtful conversations together, we are sharing that Manon will be taking a temporary hiatus from group activities to focus on her health and wellbeing.
“We fully support this decision. KATSEYE remains committed to showing up for one another and for the fans who mean everything to us. The group will continue scheduled activities during this time, and we look forward to being together again when the time is right.
“Thank you to our EYEKONS for your continued love, patience, and understanding.”
According to Billboard, Manon addressed the departure in Weverse DMs with fans, writing: “I’m healthy, I’m okay, and I’m taking care of myself. Thank u for checking in! Sometimes things unfold in ways we don’t fully control, but I’m trusting the bigger picture.”
The band will continue with members Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza and Yoonchae Jeung in Manon’s absence.
KATSEYE was formed through The Debut: Dream Academy, a reality competition and global talent search created through a partnership between HYBE and Geffen Records.
The process was featured on Netflix docuseries Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE.