Being a part of an iconic girl group that made history together seems like a dream that – in reality – comes with its ups and downs, great perks and tough challenges. Nevertheless, we have seen them succeed, from Destiny’s Child and The Spice Girls to Fifth Harmony and Little Mix. And while their time in those bands has given them power, success and stability, each girl got to unlock her individual magic when they went solo. Leigh-Anne Pinnock has been one third of Little Mix for over a decade and is now embracing her own power and voice more than ever.
Described by her fans – who call themselves the Legions – as resilient, determined, kind and persevering, Leigh worked her absolute hardest to not only achieve her goals, but for her voice to make a real difference in the world. She has always fought for what she believed in and it made her fans more aware of very important topics, which inspired them to be a voice of change themselves.
In her documentary “Leigh-Anne: Race, Pop & Power”, we have watched her open up about the struggles she had to face, being the “black girl” in Little Mix and her journey towards being more educated, involved and vocal about important racial matters. Together with her husband and her sister, she created The Black Fund, funding organisations to help create opportunities, access, work and experience for especially young people within the black community, with a focus on the creative industry.
While Leigh has felt unseen at times and like her voice doesn’t matter as much, so many fans have looked up to her over the years. Her Legions call her a triple threat, being a singer, dancer and actor. But on top of that, she’s also an incredible songwriter, a great mum and thriving entrepreneur. She truly is a force to be reckoned with and someone who genuinely loves what she does, always radiating love and positivity.
Being a solo artist now, she is creating her own sound, adding some RnB and Reggae to the mix of her musical work. Leigh has a clear vision as an artist and her music tells a story that finally gets to be told after 12 years. Her two singles Don’t Say Love and My Love both sound absolutely amazing and deserve so much more love and praise, knowing how much hard work, dedication and sheer passion she has put into her music. Listening to these songs just lifts up your mood instantly and that’s what music is meant to do, isn’t it?
Not only is Leigh-Anne’s solo work such a beautiful stamp on black culture, but it has been like therapy for fans around the world, helping find their confidence again. She really speaks from the heart and it resonates with so many people in different ways. By taking difficult situations and turning them into art, she helps not only herself to get through it, but anyone who listens to her music as well.
Leigh’s voice always managed to find its way into the hearts of her fans, no matter if that’s through songs from the Little Mix catalogue or her own newly released singles. Her precious voice remains the same, it is now just fully blooming into its full potential and shining through, brighter than ever. And if you’ve been a Mixer for over a decade, you are most certainly part of the Legions too.
Throughout her career, Leigh had to face racism, misogyny and all kinds of challenges being a young female in the music industry. Despite all the obstacles and challenges, she’s been strong enough to get to the top and she always kept going. Her life’s story is unique and will be told in her own words in her upcoming memoir Believe. Knowing Leigh, this book is gonna reveal nothing but pure honesty, the reality she has been living in and a lot we have not heard yet. We are definitely looking forward to hearing the full story and we encourage you to get your own copies of the book, coming out October 26.
Leigh once said: “Know your power, believe in yourself and don’t let anyone dim your light” – and she could not be more right. She has inspired her fans to be better, to go after their dreams, to believe in themselves and to never give up. It is our responsibility and job to embrace who we are and unlock our full potential, but it is beautiful and strong women like Leigh-Anne who are showing us the way, leading by great example. She is not just building her empire and impacting a whole generation, but will be watching her twins carry on her legacy one day.
ROARA Magazine 