Ghanaian alternative pop trailblazer Amaarae graces the cover of Flaunt Magazine Issue 202, marking another defining moment in her fast-expanding global journey. In the feature, the genre-bending artist reflects on the creative risks, cultural ambition, and personal conviction that shaped her latest album, BLACK STAR, a project that has redefined her role as both an innovator and cultural representative.
Amaarae recalls a standout moment from her BLACK STAR tour, when she invited fans onstage during the closing performance of “Fineshyt.” What followed was a spontaneous celebration of freedom and self-expression, with fans fully embracing the spotlight. Though the moment was chaotic in spirit, it perfectly captured the energy of Amaarae’s world — one where community, individuality, and movement coexist, with her remaining the gravitational center of it all.
Reflecting on the album’s reception, Amaarae admits that BLACK STAR exceeded expectations. While she has long been recognized for her experimental sound and fusion-heavy approach, even she didn’t anticipate the scale of its global impact. Created with the intention of being a “worldwide project,” the album’s success felt like a manifestation brought to life, quickly propelling her into solo touring and major stadium runs, including opening slots for artists like Sabrina Carpenter. Performing for younger, predominantly Western audiences, Amaarae embraced the opportunity to introduce her sound to listeners who may never have encountered African alternative music before.
At the same time, the success of her previous album, Fountain Baby unexpectedly reshaped her standing back home in Ghana. Initially unsure how such a forward-thinking body of work would be received locally, Amaarae was surprised by the embrace and respect it earned. That response sparked a shift in mindset — fueling her desire to more intentionally represent Ghana on a global stage. Determined to be a cultural flag bearer, she set out to create something bold, polarizing, and unmistakably African on her own terms.
Drawing inspiration from global dance-driven pop albums by Drake, Beyoncé, and Charli xcx, Amaarae began reimagining Ghanaian rhythmic traditions. Instead of adhering strictly to familiar patterns, she experimented with heavier drums and unconventional placements, challenging expectations of African dance music. That philosophy is visually cemented on BLACK STAR’s cover, where Amaarae poses before a massive Ghanaian flag — dressed in black leather, embodying the symbolic Black Star itself.
Sonically, BLACK STAR marks a darker, more synthetic evolution from Fountain Baby. Designed for the dancefloor, the album pulses with commanding 808s, club-ready rhythms, and sharp hooks, while still maintaining the sensuality and cultural pride that define Amaarae’s artistry. Tracks like “S.M.O“, “Starkilla,” “ms60,” and “Girlie-Pop!” emphasize its nightlife energy, while deeper cuts such as “100DRUM” showcase her most intriguing experimentation — blending Afrobeats and highlife foundations with heavier, jagged percussion.
With her Flaunt Magazine cover, Amaarae further solidifies her status as one of Africa’s most forward-thinking artists — a creator unafraid to challenge norms, shift perspectives, and carry her culture into global spaces on her own terms. BLACK STAR isn’t just an album; it’s a statement of identity, ambition, and artistic sovereignty.