May 4th: Today’s Feature

May

Leigh-Anne Pinnock, born on 4th October 1991, is a multi-talented English artist known for her work as a singer, songwriter, and actress. She gained widespread recognition as a member of the popular girl group Little Mix, which was formed and emerged victorious in the eighth season of The X Factor UK. During her time with the group, they made history by winning three Brit Awards, making them the first girl group to secure the title of British Group. Little Mix also achieved an impressive nineteen top-ten singles and five number-one hits on the UK Singles Chart before taking a hiatus in 2022.

In addition to her success with Little Mix, Leigh-Anne has embarked on a solo career, releasing singles such as "Don't Say Love" and "My Love" featuring Ayra Starr. Her talent and hard work were recognised in 2023 when she was honoured with the titles of Musician of the Year and Breakthrough Artist at the prestigious Glamour Awards. Fans can look forward to her highly anticipated debut studio album, scheduled for release in 2024, which is expected to showcase her versatility and creativity as an artist.

Apart from her musical endeavours, Leigh-Anne is also known for her advocacy work on various racial issues and her efforts towards promoting racial equality. Her dedication to these causes led to her receiving the National Diversity and Visionary Honour Award. Furthermore, her documentary titled "Leigh-Anne: Race, Pop & Power" released in 2021 received critical acclaim and was even nominated for Best Authored Documentary at the 26th National Television Awards. Beyond her artistic talents, Leigh-Anne is also celebrated for her distinctive fashion sense, solidifying her status as a multifaceted and influential figure in the entertainment industry.

Early Life

Leigh-Anne Pinnock, hails from a diverse background. Her parents, Deborah Thornhill and John Pinnock, belong to a mixed-race heritage. Growing up in a Caribbean household, Leigh-Anne was exposed to a rich cultural upbringing. Her grandfathers, who immigrated to the United Kingdom in the 1960s, embraced interracial relationships, further adding to the diversity within her family. Leigh-Anne spent her childhood in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, alongside her two older sisters, Sian-Louise and Sairah. Interestingly, Sairah later became her manager during Little Mix's hiatus in 2022.

With Barbadian and Jamaican ancestry, Leigh-Anne proudly identifies Jamaica as her second home. This connection to her heritage has played a significant role in shaping her identity and artistic expression. Before her rise to fame as a member of Little Mix, Leigh-Anne worked as a waitress at Pizza Hut. However, her passion for music led her to share her talent on platforms like MySpace and Facebook. These early endeavours allowed her to showcase her musical abilities and connect with a wider audience.

Leigh-Anne's journey in the music industry began to take shape when she joined a youth club and choir, which was overseen by Jay Blades. Jay Blades, who later became a trustee of her charity, The Black Fund, played a pivotal role in nurturing her talent and providing her with opportunities to develop her singing skills. In 2021, Leigh-Anne founded The Black Fund, a charitable organisation aimed at supporting and empowering Black individuals and communities.

In 2020, Leigh-Anne courageously shared her personal experience of racism in a documentary aired on Channel 4. She recounted the first time she encountered racism at the tender age of nine, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by many individuals from diverse backgrounds. Through her openness and willingness to address such important issues, Leigh-Anne has become an advocate for racial equality and social justice, using her platform to raise awareness and promote positive change.

Endorsements

In February 2015, Pinnock initiated a Tumblr fashion blog under the name "Leigh Loves". Following this, she ventured into the world of fashion by co-founding her own swimwear line in April 2019, known as In'A'Seashell, in collaboration with her close friend Gabrielle Urquhart. Simultaneously, she was unveiled as the fresh face of the renowned sports brand Umbro during the same month, marking a significant milestone in her career.

Fast forward to April 2019, Pinnock inked a deal with Sony/ATV through a joint venture called TwentySeven, where she was welcomed as a published songwriter. Subsequently, in October 2020, she took a step further by establishing her very own production company named Pinnock Productions. The primary goal of this production house is to promote diversity and shed light on cultures that are often marginalised or underrepresented in the media landscape.

Moving on to 2020, the talented singer collaborated with the popular British fashion retailer ASOS to release a style edit collection. Furthermore, in 2021, alongside her fiancé Andre Gray and sister, Pinnock introduced The Black Fund, a charitable organisation aimed at providing support to existing charities and groups that cater to the needs of black communities, including financial assistance. Additionally, she serves as an ambassador for Maybelline New York and spearheaded the "Brave Together" initiative in October 2021, showcasing her commitment to empowering and uplifting others.

Activism & Public Image

Pinnock is widely recognised for her strong advocacy for social justice, particularly on issues such as the Black Lives Matter movement, racial equality, colourism, feminism, and racism in the UK. She has been vocal about her personal experiences with racism, both during her childhood and within the music industry. Despite facing challenges, especially early in her career, she has courageously shared her stories to raise awareness and promote meaningful discussions on these important topics.

Initially, Pinnock hesitated to openly discuss these sensitive subjects due to concerns about potential backlash and losing support from her fans. However, as she gained more confidence and platform, she decided to speak out about her encounters with racism and discrimination. In an interview with Glamour magazine, she candidly shared her feelings of being "invisible" during the initial years as the only black member of Little Mix, highlighting the complexities of her experiences as a light-skinned, mixed-race woman.

In a significant recognition of her efforts towards anti-racism and racial equality, Pinnock was honoured with an honorary doctorate from Buckinghamshire New University in July 2023. This prestigious award serves as a testament to her dedication and impact in advocating for social change and challenging systemic injustices. Pinnock's commitment to using her platform to address important societal issues continues to inspire many, as she remains a powerful voice for marginalised communities and a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity.