Ama Serwah Genfi, known professionally as Amaarae, is a talented Ghanaian-American singer and songwriter celebrated for her unique fusion of pop, R&B, Afrobeats, and alté music. She stands out not only for her musical style but also for her fluid representation of gender and sexuality.

Raised between Accra, Atlanta, and New Jersey, Amaarae has cultivated her diverse musical influences from a young age. She embarked on her musical journey by collaborating with local artists and releasing a series of non-album singles before unveiling her debut EP, “Passionfruit Summers,” in 2017, which showcased her creative prowess.

In 2020, Amaarae made waves in the music scene with the release of her debut album, “The Angel You Don't Know,” which was met with critical acclaim. Notably, the track "Sad Girlz Luv Money," featuring Moliy, gained significant popularity on TikTok, further elevating her profile.

The following year, the song was remixed to include a feature from Kali Uchis, charting globally and earning her widespread recognition. Pitchfork referred to “The Angel You Don't Know” as "Best New Music" and ranked it as the 19th best album of 2020.

On June 9, 2023, she released her highly anticipated sophomore album, “Fountain Baby,” which received rave reviews, solidifying her status in the industry.

Early Life

Amaarae was born in the Bronx, New York, to Ama Bawuah and Kwadwo Boateng Genfi. As the elder of two children, she was raised in both the United States and Ghana. She wrote her first song at the age of 13 and grew up watching music videos, being particularly inspired by Kelis’ song "Young, Fresh n' New" for its unique expression.

Amaarae attended Ghana International School for a time, which laid the foundation for her education. During high school, she began creating mixtapes and, at 17, secured an internship at a music studio to delve into production and engineering. She returned to Ghana in June 2017 to fully embrace her music career.

Her educational journey reflects her cross-cultural upbringing, as she balanced formal studies and her artistic passions across three countries.

Early Education and High School

• Ghana International School: She attended this prestigious institution in Accra for several years during her childhood.

• Mixed Schooling: Raised between Accra, Atlanta, and New Jersey, she moved back to Ghana at age 15 specifically to complete her high school education.

• Mixtapes and Internships: During her high school years, she developed her music skills by making mixtapes and undertaking an internship at a music studio to gain practical experience.

Tertiary Education

• Agnes Scott College: After completing high school, she returned to the United States to attend this private women's liberal arts college in Decatur, Georgia.

• Major: Amaarae studied English Literature and Creative Writing, further broadening her artistic capabilities.

• Artistic Development: While in college, she took advantage of the school's resources to undergo voice training and refine her songwriting skills.

• Motivation: She humorously admitted in an interview with Vogue that her primary reason for attending college was to earn a degree for her mother and avoid “disgracing the family.”

• Career Shift: Upon graduating in June 2017, she felt compelled to return to Ghana and launch her professional music career full-time, believing that her distinctive R&B fusion sound would resonate more profoundly in the West African market.

Career

At the age of 17, Amaarae wrote her first mixtape, “In Splendid Isolation” (ISI), while in Ghana. This mixtape features tracks such as "She Came First," a reinterpretation of Cassie and Ryan Leslie's "Addiction," and "CrukdStr8," her take on Big Sean's "A$$."

Amaarae released her debut project, “Passionfruit Summers”, in 2017, which includes the song "Fluid," accompanied by a visually engaging music video.

Amaarae, a multifaceted artist, was recognized as one of Apple Music Africa's Favourite New Artists in April 2018. Later that year, she became a featured artist on Apple Music Beats 1 for her debut project, “Passionfruit Summers”, which she released through her independent label, Golden Child LLC, on November 30, 2017.

In November 2018, she showcased her talents alongside Teni, BOJ, and Odunsi (The Engine) at ART X Lagos, an esteemed art fair in Lagos, Nigeria. Renowned not only for her music but also for her distinct style and fashion sense, Amaarae was featured in a Vogue online article that highlighted four women from around the world with buzz haircuts.

She was recognised as one of Vogue's Top 100 Style Influencers of 2018 and received a nomination for Artist of the Year at the Glitz Style Awards in Ghana. Additionally, she has supported the Ghanaian fashion brand Free The Youth.

On March 23, 2019, Amaarae performed at the inaugural Boiler Room event in Accra, sharing the stage with La Meme Gang—a collective comprising Nxwrth, RJZ, KwakuBS, Darkovibes, Kiddblack, and $pacely—as well as rapper Kwesi Arthur. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with numerous artists, including Stonebwoy, Kojey Radical, M3NSA, Santi, Blaqbonez, Buju, Odunsi, and B4bonah. Notably, in 2019, she collaborated with Nigerian singer-songwriter Wande Coal.

His debut studio album, “The Angel You Don't Know”, was released on November 12, 2020, to critical acclaim. Owen Myers of Pitchfork described the album as "crackling with innovation," stating that it positions her as a trailblazer at a time when the industry is beginning to recognize Africa’s influence on global pop music.

In May 2022, Amaarae met Kendrick Lamar during his visit to Ghana, where they attended a private album listening party in Accra for his new project, “Mr. Morale and The Big Steppers”, alongside Black Sherif, Stonebwoy, and Smallgod.

On June 9, 2023, she unveiled her sophomore album, “Fountain Baby”, via Interscope Records, marking a significant milestone by becoming the first Ghanaian artist to appear on NPR Tiny Desk.

Amaarae made history on April 14, 2025, as the first Ghanaian artist to perform a solo set at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Her captivating performance on the Gobi Stage featured a mix of unreleased tracks and songs from Ghanaian artists, including La Même Gang, Eazzy, Joey B, and the Asakaa Boys.

During this memorable set, she announced her upcoming album, “Black Star”, and stunned the audience by shaving her head on stage, a moment that quickly garnered widespread attention on social media.

On August 8, 2025, she released her third album, “Black Star”, accompanied by the official music video for her single "Fineshyt." Amaarae's journey in music began at the tender age of 13 when she wrote her first song, a reimagining of Usher's "Same Girl."

Her eclectic sound is deeply influenced by her family, each introducing her to a diverse array of genres that have shaped her artistic palette:

• Father (Kwadwo Boateng Genfi): Introduced her to soul and classic R&B, with inspirations from legends such as James Brown, Al Green, and Marvin Gaye.

• Mother (Ama Bawuah): Exposed her to the world of jazz, featuring icons like Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, and Billie Holiday.

• Cousin: Provided foundational education in hip-hop, introducing her to artists like DMX, Fat Joe, and Tupac.

• Uncle: Introduced her to alternative rock and grunge, presenting music from bands such as Nirvana, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Led Zeppelin.

Notable Early Memories

• The Aqua "Barbie Girl" DVD: One of her earliest musical memories is watching the music video for "Barbie Girl" on the DVD screens in her father’s car.

• The Usher Remix: At the age of 11, she ventured into songwriting by creating a "diss track" remixing Usher’s "Same Girl," aimed at a neighbor.

• Kelis as an Icon: During her teenage years, she cites the music video for "Young, Fresh n' New" by Kelis as a major visual and stylistic inspiration.

Parental Support

Amaarae’s mother, Ama Bawuah, is not only a successful executive but also serves as her manager. Despite facing early social media criticism in Ghana regarding her "privileged" background, Amaarae’s family provided the emotional and professional support necessary for her to experiment with her sound.

Her mother's dynamic nature—moving the family between the Bronx, Atlanta, New Jersey, and Accra—taught Amaarae to be culturally agile. She credits this upbringing for her ability to fuse global sounds seamlessly.

Career Milestones

1. Breakthrough: She gained global fame with the 2021 remix of "Sad Girlz Luv Money," featuring Kali Uchis.

2. Major Albums:

• The Angel You Don't Know (2020)

• Fountain Baby (2023)

• Black Star (set for release in 2025)

3. Live Performances: She made history as the first Ghanaian-born female solo artist to perform at Coachella in 2025.

4. Collaborations: Amaarae has collaborated with prominent artists including Janelle Monáe, Childish Gambino, Kali Uchis, and Stonebwoy.

Identity and Influence

• Fashion: Known for her non-conforming style and buzz haircut, she has been recognised as a top style influencer by Vogue.

• Advocacy: Amaarae uses her platform to challenge norms surrounding gender and sexuality, identifying as queer.

• Oseiwaa Angels Foundation: She is the founder of this foundation, which supports young African women in the visual and musical arts.

Amaarae's degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Agnes Scott College serves as the backbone of her songwriting.

• World-Building: She envisions each album as a narrative universe, akin to a novel.

• Vivid Imagery: Her lyrics are rich in sensory details, often prioritising depth over simple rhymes.

• Metaphor Use: She employs complex symbolism to delve into themes of desire and identity.

• Vocabulary: Her academic background allows her to experiment with language and flow in unconventional ways. She has remarked that her education helped her understand how to characterize the various voices and personas found in her music.

Favorite Authors

Amaarae's passion for poetry, complex family dynamics, and cerebral storytelling influences her artistic expression. Among her favorite authors is Arundhati Roy, whose novel “The God of Small Things” is particularly dear to her—she has read it nearly every year since high school.

Notable Poets and Writers

• Sonia Sanchez:

• Lawrence Burney: Amaarae is a multifaceted artist who has garnered recognition for her unique sound and lyrical depth. A friend and fellow writer, Lawrence Burney, recently championed her book "No Sense in Wishing," which reflects her thoughtful approach to art.

• Abolitionist and Black feminist writers: While she may not list every name, she often cites these literary works as a core influence on her worldview and “queer-positive” lyricism.

Technical and Visual Interests

In addition to her musical endeavors, Amaarae is passionate about fashion and visual branding. She dedicates considerable time to reading about the construction of 1970s album covers and music history, which informs her own artistic vision.

Discography

Amaarae’s discography showcases her evolution from underground Alté beginnings to a polished global pop sound.

Studio Albums

• Black Star (2025): Her latest project features a futuristic, polished sound.

• Fountain Baby (2023): This critically acclaimed album blends Afrobeats with elements of rock, pop, and punk.

• The Angel You Don't Know (2020): the debut album that established her as a genre-bending "wildcard."

EPs

• Passionfruit Summers (2017): This debut project features the cult favorite "Fluid."

Chart-Topping Singles and Remixes

• "Sad Girlz Luv Money" (Remix) ft. Kali Uchis (2021): A massive global viral hit that propelled her into the spotlight.

• "Angels in Tibet" (2023): A standout track from “Fountain Baby” that reflects her ethereal sound.

• "Co-Star" (2023): Known for its high-fashion music video and zodiac-themed lyrics.

Amaarae is also a frequent collaborator, having worked with notable artists such as Childish Gambino, Janelle Monáe, and Tiwa Savage.

Notable Songs

Amaarae is renowned for her "whisper" vocals and genre-blending production.

Here are her essential tracks:

• "Sad Girlz Luv Money (Remix)" ft. Kali Uchis: A TikTok viral sensation and her global breakout.

• "Angels in Tibet": A fan-favorite showcasing her hypnotic sound.

• "Co-Star": A high-fashion anthem that celebrates astrology.

• "Fluid": The standout track from her debut EP that defined her "alté" style.

• "Fancy": A gritty and confident track highlighting her experimental production.

• "Wasted Eyes": A soulful, melodic hit from “Fountain Baby”.

• "Princess Going Digital": An energetic track exploring themes of modern fame and technology.

Notably, "Sad Girlz Luv Money" was the first song by a Ghanaian female lead artist to chart on the Billboard Hot 100.

Award Nominations

Amaarae has received significant critical recognition through various major international and continental award nominations, especially following the successes of her albums “Fountain Baby” and “Black Star”.

Key Recent Nominations (2024–2026)

• GLAAD Media Awards (2026): Nominated for Outstanding Breakthrough Music Artist.

• Trace Awards (2025): Nominated for Album of the Year for “Fountain Baby”.

• All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA 2025): Nominated for Best Female Artiste (West Africa).

• YEN Entertainment Awards (2025): Nominated for Best Female Artiste.

Career-Defining Honors

• The Headies: Winner of Best Female Vocal Performance (2021).

• BET Awards: Nominated for Best International Act (2022).

• MOBO Awards: Previously nominated for Best African Music Act.

Amaarae has made significant strides in the music industry, particularly with her breakout track "Sad Girlz Luv Money" (Remix), which considerably boosted her presence on global award circuits. Her influence has led to her recognition as a major voice for the LGBTQ+ community in music.

Tenure in the Music Industry

Amaarae has been professionally active for about 9 years.

• 2017: She officially launched her career with her debut EP, “Passionfruit Summers”.

• Before 2017: Spent several years as an intern and sound engineer while pursuing her college education.

• Early Beginnings: Wrote her first song at age 13 and released mixtapes during her high school years.

• Milestone: Around 2021, she transitioned from being an underground Alté artist to a global pop star, buoyed by her viral success on TikTok.

List of Collaborators

Amaarae frequently collaborates across various genres, including R&B, Afrobeats, and Hip-Hop.

Some notable collaborations include:

• Kali Uchis on the viral "Sad Girlz Luv Money" remix.

• Childish Gambino, featured on his album “Bando Stone & the New World”.

• Janelle Monáe on the track "The Rush."

• Tiwa Savage on the song "Tales By Moonlight."

• Stonebwoy, who served as an early mentor and collaborator on "Pepper Dem."

• Santi and Odunsi (The Engine), key figures in the Alté scene.

• Stormzy, featured on the "Hide & Seek" remix.

• Kaytranada on "Sober."

She also collaborated with Juls, a producer credited with helping define her early "soft" sound.

List of Her Most Recent Features (2025/2026)

Following her album “Black Star” and her massive performance at Coachella 2025, Amaarae's recent features include:

• PinkPantheress on the track "Kiss Me Thru the Phone pt. 2."

• Childish Gambino and Jorja Smith on "In The Night."

• Bree Runway on the high-energy song "Starkilla."

• Naomi Campbell, providing spoken-word vocals on "ms60."

• Charlie Wilson on the soulful track "Dream Scenario."

• Kaytranada, collaborating on the song "Sossaup."

There are rumors of new music dropping with emerging Ghanaian Alté artists later in 2026.

Private Life

Amaarae keeps her romantic life very private and has not publicly confirmed any current partner.

She is generally considered single and maintains a low profile regarding her dating life, with no children or public details about relationships.

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