Amaarae Plans August Release of New Album Black Star

Ghanaian-American singer Amaarae is set to release her third album, Black Star, on August 8 via Interscope Records, following her acclaimed 2023 LP Fountain Baby. The album's lead single, "S.M.O.", exemplifies her signature fusion style, blending Ghanaian 1980s highlife influences with Detroit club bass and zouk melodies, creating an Afrofuturistic sound that celebrates Black femininity and aims to make listeners dance and feel deeply. Amaarae, the first Ghanaian solo female artist to perform at Coachella, describes Black Star as a personal and cultural statement reflecting her identity as a woman and artist, with the album's title referencing herself, the Ghanaian flag, and Black cultural roots. The single's music video was shot in Ghana, emphasizing her connection to her heritage. Known for her avant-garde alt-Afropop style and collaborations with major artists like Childish Gambino and Sabrina Carpenter, Amaarae continues to expand her global fan base with this highly anticipated release. Black Star follows a period of significant artistic growth and increased international recognition for Amaarae.