Singer Brandy Rayana Norwood credits her daughter, Sy’rai Smith, with saving her life years ago and giving her a reason to keep pushing through in her darkest times.
Making her music debut at the age of fifteen, singer Brandy Rayana Norwood has spent the better part of her life in the spotlight. Her journey to stardom, although sketchy, eventually had a happy ending thanks to her daughter, Sy’rai Smith.
The 41-year-old singer rose to fame in the nineties, with albums like “Never Say Never,” making her one of the most celebrated icons. Her music eventually made her a force to reckon with in the entertainment industry, which was a source of joy to the songstress.
As the years went by, she explored other entertainment ventures like acting, which further increased her fame. However, fame soon threatened to become the singer’s undoing, exposing her to dire situations. She encountered failed relationships, feelings of entrapment, and near depression.
Brandy reached the brink in 2006, following a car crash that claimed the life of a 38-year-old woman. Although she successfully settled out of court with the victim’s family, the incident left her feeling downcast, so much so she contemplated suicide. At this lowest point of her life, the icon’s daughter came to her rescue. She recounted:
“If Sy’rai wasn’t here, I wouldn’t be either. The place that I was in, it just felt like I wasn’t going to make it through.”
The mother of one recalled how she lay in bed one day, depressed and contemplating suicide. In the nick of time, she remembered she had a daughter and decided, then to keep living for Sy’rai. That moment marked the turning point in her life.
Brandy became the perfect mom to her daughter. Years later, the mother-daughter pair are the best friends, celebrating each other constantly on social media with photos of them twinning.
It’s me and her for life
Sy’rai has grown into a raving beauty, just like her mom, and is now an 18-year-old college-bound kid. Yet, the connection between the duo is anything but dwindling.
And it appears the songstress has no plans of letting anything or anyone come between them anytime soon, not even a new baby. Speaking on her love for Sy’rai, Brandy once divulged:
“She’s all I have, and I feel like she’s the only child that I’m going to have. It’s me and her for life.”
Aside from inheriting her mother’s looks, Sy’rai also followed her mom’s career path. Earlier this year, the teenager released a single titled “At your Best.”
The track, produced by the 18-year-old’s nephew, Aaron Smith, served as a tribute to the 1994 single, “At Your Best (You Are Love,) by Aaliyah.
No one was prouder of the budding star than Brandy, who took to Instagram to promote the youngster’s work. Sy’rai also featured in her mom’s “B7” album, further showcasing her talents.
With mother and daughter having similar talents and working together, the sky is only their starting point.