Gabriella Wilson, who publicly is known as H.E.R., is a woman who lets her music speak for her.
The R&B songstress would hide her identity behind silhouettes and sunglasses in the early days of her career. Her soulful ballads quickly resonated with the hearts of many, revealing her true beauty, raw talent and complex emotions to the world. Now, in this era of her life, H.E.R. is ready to make a change. She is embracing every part of herself and bring her loyal fans and followers along for the journey.
In a recent social media post, “The Color Purple” actress shared her bare face and its companion — a messy blonde afro. She shared with her over 6.7 million Instagram followers that she is learning to embrace her baby face.
All About H.E.R.
The intentional anonymity of H.E.R., an acronym for “Having Everything Revealed,” sparked intrigue and speculation with fans and media wondering why she chose to conceal her identity.
H.E.R. has been candid about how her upbringing and diverse background influenced her life. Raised in the Bay Area with a Filipino and Black heritage, she found herself straddling two worlds and embracing both sides of her cultural heritage. She initially sought refuge in anonymity, and this decision, along with her desire for her music to speak louder than her appearance, influenced her early career.
“I wanted to be anonymous,” she shared, during an interview with WWD in 2018. “It’s just my inner self. It’s all the thoughts and feelings that sit in the back of my mind and I’m afraid to say.”
Stepping from Behind The Glasses
As her career blossomed, H.E.R. began to shed the cloak of anonymity, gradually revealing more of herself to the world. The release of her prelude album, “I Used to Know H.E.R.,” marked a turning point in her artistic journey.
“It’s a sneak peek into the evolution of me and the elevation of me,” she said referring to the shift. “But, I’m just currently progressing and starting to show more of the musicality.”
In a 2022 interview with UPROXX, H.E.R. unveiled another layer of her transformation, signaling a new chapter in her life and career. As she shed her musical alias and embraced her birth name, she embarked on a journey of self-discovery and authenticity.
“HER is me, but at the same time, it’s a new chapter of my life,” she said. “I’m allowing people to see under the layers a little bit.”
Beyond her musical endeavors, H.E.R.’s portrayal of Belle in “Beauty in the Beast” holds profound significance. She stands as a beacon of empowerment for young girls who seldom see themselves reflected in mainstream media.
“I’ve never seen one that looks like me, so I get to be that to little girls now,” she said.
H.E.R.’s journey of embracing her identity serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-acceptance and authenticity. From concealing her face behind sunglasses to boldly stepping into the spotlight, she continues to inspire with her unwavering commitment to staying true to herself.