Ghana's Amaarae named Spotify EQUAL Africa artist for August

Spotify has named Ghanaian trailblazer Amaarae as its EQUAL Africa artist for August, celebrating her as one of the continent’s most fearless and boundary-pushing creatives.

Born Ama Serwah Genfi and raised between Ghana and the United States, Amaarae draws from a rich mix of cultural influences, fusing alternative, pop, R&B, and Afrobeats into a sound that has made her a standout voice in global music.

Her journey began in a computer lab in Ghana in 2009, where she taught herself to make beats on a cracked version of FL Studio.

That spark grew into a career that has produced acclaimed projects such as ‘The Angel You Don’t Know’ and the global hit ‘SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY.’

Earlier this year, she was featured on Spotify’s Global Impact List for the first half of 2025, marking her as one of the top Ghanaian artists whose music resonates far beyond the continent.

Amaarae’s latest album, ‘BLACK STAR,’ sees her embracing her Ghanaian roots with what she calls “a rallying cry for youth culture around the world. This album is bringing the alternative community to the forefront, and being fearless about that.”

She adds, “I navigate the music world with balance, willpower, and strength. The challenges are real, don’t get me wrong, but I put my blinders on, lock into tunnel vision, and get to work. And when I come across another woman on the journey, especially a Black woman, I do my best to share knowledge, create opportunities, and lighten the load where I can.”

As part of Spotify’s EQUAL programme, which amplifies the voices of women worldwide, Amaarae joins a roster of African women reshaping the industry through sound and self-expression.

“Amaarae embodies the spirit of boundary-pushing creativity that EQUAL stands for,” says Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Her artistry is bold, distinct, and unapologetically authentic – qualities that continue to inspire a new generation of artists across the continent and beyond.”

Speaking on her personal journey, Amaarae revealed a quirky fact: “I’m one step away from being legally blind! My vision is a -7 and I have astigmatism!!”

Asked about her musical beginnings, she recalled, “When I moved back home to Ghana in 2009, I was learning how to make beats and record myself at the back of the computer lab. Someone had installed a cracked version of FL.”

Her influences range widely, from Daddy Lumba and Terri Bonchaka to MzBel, Abrewa Nana, Obrafour’s legendary ‘Pae Mu Ka’ album, Sarkodie, and Kwadwo Antwi.

As for describing her sound, she prefers to leave it to her listeners: “Let’s encourage listeners to be curious and adventurous! If you’re reading this and you’ve never heard my music, I dare you to go listen! And tell me how YOU would describe my sound.”

Her advice for anyone hesitant to follow their dreams? “The regret does more damage than the effort.”