Leigh-Anne Pinnock Names Normani & Manon as Dream Collaborations Amid Hiatus

Leigh-Anne Pinnock, formerly of the British girl group Little Mix, has publicly expressed her desire to collaborate with KATSEYE’s Manon Bannerman and Normani. The singer revealed her dream collaboration lineup in a fan video circulating on social media, stating, “Me, Manon and Normani, yeah? Fire.” This declaration arrives amid a period of heightened discussion surrounding the treatment of Black artists within the music industry, particularly within girl groups.

The timing of Pinnock’s statement is significant, following KATSEYE’s announcement on February 20, 2026, that Manon would be taking a “temporary hiatus” to focus on her “health and wellbeing.” The news, shared via the group’s Weverse community by HYBE and Geffen Records, prompted an outpouring of support for Manon and sparked speculation regarding the reasons behind the decision. Hours later, Manon addressed fans directly through Weverse DMs, stating, “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.”

A Shared Experience and Public Support

Pinnock’s public support for Manon extends beyond simply naming her as a dream collaborator. She responded to a fan on X (formerly Twitter) who pointed out that Pinnock, Manon, and Normani all follow each other on Instagram, writing, “We need to protect each other.” This sentiment underscores a sense of solidarity among the three artists, all of whom were the sole Black members of their respective groups – Little Mix, Fifth Harmony, and KATSEYE. This shared experience has fueled conversations about the unique challenges faced by Black women in the music industry.

KATSEYE and the Recent Hiatus Announcement

KATSEYE, assembled by HYBE and Geffen Records through the reality competition show The Debut: Dream Academy, has quickly gained a global following. The group’s announcement regarding Manon’s hiatus included a commitment to continuing scheduled activities during her absence, with a hope for the group to reunite “when the time is right.” Though, the circumstances surrounding the hiatus remain somewhat unclear. Fans have speculated that the hiatus may be a precursor to Manon’s removal from the group, citing concerns about potential mistreatment by the label. Details were not provided regarding the specifics of Manon’s health concerns or the nature of the “thoughtful conversations” referenced in the official statement.

The Broader Context: Black Women in Girl Groups

The situation with Manon, and Pinnock’s subsequent comments, have brought renewed attention to a recurring pattern within the music industry. As noted in reports, there is a perceived “vicious cycle” occurring with Black girls in girl groups. Pinnock herself reflected on this dynamic, stating, “There is some kind of vicious cycle going on right now with Black girls in girl groups. We observe it all the time, so I’m glad people are speaking about it and highlighting it.” She added that she finds “comfort in talking to other artists that are going through something similar, because there was a point where I never got to do that.”

A History of Success and Representation

Leigh-Anne Pinnock achieved international recognition as a member of Little Mix, which was formed on The X Factor UK in 2011. The group went on to achieve significant commercial success, earning multiple U.K. No. 1 albums and charting singles. Normani rose to prominence as a member of Fifth Harmony, whose 2016 hit “Work From Home” reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 before the group went on hiatus in 2018. KATSEYE, the newest of the three groups, has rapidly built a dedicated fanbase since its formation. The fact that all three women were the only Black members of their respective groups highlights the ongoing need for greater diversity and representation within the music industry.

What Happens Next?

Currently, KATSEYE will continue with scheduled activities while Manon focuses on her wellbeing. It remains unclear how long her hiatus will last or what the future holds for her involvement with the group. Pinnock’s solo career is underway, with her debut album, My Ego Told Me To, released on February 20, 2026, coinciding with the announcement of Manon’s hiatus. The potential collaboration between Pinnock, Manon, and Normani remains speculative, but Pinnock’s public expression of support and her desire to work with both artists suggests a willingness to explore such a project. The situation continues to unfold, and further developments are expected as more information becomes available.