Singer-songwriter Normani recently penned an emotional tribute to late 90s R&B artist Aaliyah on the 20th anniversary of her passing.
Although the young singer was a child when Aaliyah was killed in a plane crash, the loss has still profoundly impacted her.
Published by British Vogue, Normani wrote about how Aaliyah was introduced to her life as a little girl and influenced her childhood as an aspiring artist.
“When the tragedy happened, I was so young, but it was a moment I’ll never forget,” she said, reminiscing on the horrific day.
“You could feel it in the air. It was as if the world paused,” she added.
Normani then commended Aaliyah for creating the blueprint for artists, “Aaliyah paved the way for women, Black women in particular.”
“I am forever grateful for the Black women that inspire everything that I do, allowing me the opportunity to see myself to the point that I believed that I could do it too. Although I wasn’t able to witness Aaliyah’s greatness in concert or in person, I’m so grateful that I got to experience her gift. Her music continues to live through me. It continues to live on.”
Related Story: Remembering Aaliyah: Today Marks The 20th Anniversary of Her Tragic Death
Normani then mentioned that she was motivated by Aaliyah’s collaboration with other artists and could only hope to be as great as her when compared.
The “Motivation” singer’s feelings for the late artist mirror the sentiments of fans worldwide.
“The world lost one of the greatest of all time…She was a voice for so many. And she wasn’t done yet. She was just getting started. It’s unfortunate that it takes moments like that to realize the reach and impact that she had; how many lives she touched. She changed music forever. It’s everything that I strive to do in my own way. She is the blueprint.”
Aaliyah’s memory lives on.
