The Unconventional Journey of Amaarae: A Pop Star Redefined
Essentials for the Road
Amaarae might belt out lyrics about wild nights and intoxicating escapades in tracks like “Starkilla,” but her touring essentials tell a different story. “There are three things I can’t tour without,” she shares, “a sauna, a daily stretch routine, and a bathroom floor so clean I could eat off it.” This quirky but telling detail reveals her nature as a self-described germaphobe. Just the thought of an unclean bathroom can derail her day, showcasing a balance between her glamorous public persona and her grounded, homebody tendencies.
The Mind Behind the Music
Although she spans cities like New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, and Toronto on her current tour promoting her album Black Star, Amaarae’s heart lies at home. The tour brings a different energy, filled with lyrics steeped in the euphoric chaos of night clubs, but the toll of being away from her sanctuary weighs heavily on her. “It just starts to mess with my mind,” she admits candidly.
Breaking New Grounds
Amaarae is on the brink of something significant. After her sophomore album, Fountain Baby, garnered critical acclaim in 2023, Black Star rolled out with sensational reviews. Rolling Stone dubbed it a “masterclass in controlled hedonism.” She has opened for major acts from Childish Gambino to Kaytranada and made her debut as the first solo Ghanaian female artist at Coachella in 2025—a dream realized. “Being the first person to achieve it from your country feels monumental,” she reflects.
Roots and Revelations
Born Ama Serwah Genfi, her upbringing across New Jersey, Georgia, and Accra has sculpted her musical perspective. With influences ranging from bacardi dance music to French Caribbean zouk, she masterfully blends genres, reinvigorating African soundscapes. Her latest project features distinct high-pitched vocals, samples from pop icons, and even a guest appearance from Naomi Campbell. Her album cover, a bold tricolor representation of the Ghanaian flag, perfectly encapsulates her artistic identity.
Fashion on Stage
Amaarae’s on-stage aesthetic is just as crucial as her musical craft. “I want the show to feel gritty,” she expresses, considering leather, latex, and dark shades as staples in her wardrobe. Recently, she opened a performance in New York dressed in a striking ensemble that screamed fashion-forward—courtesy of British designers Martine Rose and Simone Rocha, showcasing her unique style.
Redefining Pop Stardom
The conversation surrounding what constitutes a pop star has shifted, and Amaarae is pushing those boundaries. “To me, I’m a pop star,” she asserts, recognizing that the industry’s definition often excludes artists like her. Reflecting on the past, she notes, “The term pop star seems almost exclusively reserved for White girls,” and lists iconic figures from Tracy Chapman to Queen Latifah as inspirations. She laments the fragmentation of genres and how contemporary pop is often overshadowed by race.
A Response to Modern Challenges
Amaarae’s critique extends to the modern music landscape, shaped significantly by social media. Artists now face the pressure to be content creators, a phenomenon she finds disheartening. “The internet is out for blood,” she says, referring to an unfortunate incident involving an online backlash. Her decision to step away from the platform highlights her aversion to the exploitative demands of hyper-visibility in today’s industry.
Stripping It Back
For her current tour, Amaarae has pared back the frills. She opts for no backing dancers or stage visuals, stripping the performance down to just herself. “I’m holding up the entire performance,” she remarks, embracing this newfound freedom. “It’s never just been me, lights, and music.”
Through her music, fashion, and insights, Amaarae is cultivating a more inclusive space for artists who don’t fit the traditional molds of the pop industry. Her journey speaks volumes about authenticity, defiance against stereotypes, and the vibrant fusion of cultures that define contemporary music.