On August 25, the world went into mourning when R&B singer Aaliyah Haughton, known professionally as Aaliyah, died in a plane crash.
The singer was in the Abaco Islands, Bahamas, filming the music video for her new song ‘Rock the Boat.’ Aaliyah got on a plane smaller than the one she and her crew had flown to.
The plane was overweight and crashed not long after takeoff, killing the eight people onboard and Aaliyah herself. Those who passed away were the pilot, Luis Morales III; hair stylist Eric Forman; Anthony Dodd; security guard Scott Gatlin; make-up stylist Christopher Maldonado; Blackground Records employees Douglas Kratz and Gina Smith; and family friend Keith Wallace.
Becoming a fan
You’re probably wondering why this article is titled ‘Remembering Aaliyah. Well, January 16 was her birthday 🎂, she would have been 47 this year. I was a big fan of hers, and despite only knowing her through her music and acting, I was sad when I heard she had died.
The first time I saw Aaliyah was on the music video show Video Hits. Her song ‘Are You That Somebody?’ and I was instantly mesmerised by her. I’m not sure if it was the way she had her hair in the video (she used to have her fringe cover her left eye) or her voice. Maybe it was both. Having the hair covering one eye made me feel like she was someone mysterious.
From that day, Aaliyah would become my favourite artist. Every time I went to a music store, I made sure I went straight to the R&B section to see if I could find any of her music.
Aaliyah, the actor
The first time I saw the trailer for ‘Romeo Must Die,’ I knew I had to see it. Jet Li was becoming one of the world’s hottest martial arts actors. I loved the Hong Kong martial Arts movie scene. It started with Bruce Lee movies, then Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, of course, Li and Donnie Yen.
The other reason I wanted to see the movie was that Aaliyah was in it. I knew she had starred in the TV show ‘New York Undercover,’ but I knew this was her film debut, and I was looking forward to the movie.
While the movie wasn’t going to win awards, it was still one I loved and would watch on repeat. It also proved one thing: Aaliyah could act. I knew that this wasn’t going to be her last movie. What I didn’t realise was that her next film would be her last.
Aaliyah would next star in ‘Queen of the Damned.’ The movie is based on an Anne Rice novel. Yes, the same Anne Rice who wrote Interview with a Vampire. Aaliyah played Queen Akasha. Unfortunately, Aaliyah would never see ‘Queen of the Damned,’ passing away before the movie’s release.
Like ‘Romeo Must Die,’ ‘Queen of the Damned’ was never going to sweep awards season. It was a vehicle for Aaliyah to show her talent as an actor. Even in her short time on the silver screen, she had a commanding presence; you couldn’t help but focus on her.
Aaliyah was a shining light whose life was taken too early. Who knows what she could have accomplished if she were still alive for her 47th birthday? Maybe an Oscar win was in her future.
What is your favourite Aaliyah song? Let me know in the comments.
