Ghanaian-American artist Amaarae released her third studio album, Black Star, on 8 August, cementing her status as one of the most innovative artists on the music scene today. This work fuses genres such as European techno, dance funk, Afrobeats and deep house, with her distinctive soprano voice, creating a bold approach that celebrates black culture and female empowerment.
Since its release, the album cover has transcended the musical realm, becoming a visual phenomenon in New York. Iconic images of the project have adorned billboards and building walls in iconic locations such as Times Square and Brooklyn's creative districts, transforming the city into a living urban gallery. This visual invasion has generated conversations about music, culture and representation in one of the world's most influential cultural centres.
The music video for "Fineshyt", one of the album's standout singles, was filmed in Ghana and pays homage to dance music classics from the turn of the millennium, such as Cher's "Believe" and Modjo's "Lady". Amaarae describes the song as an "evil twin sister" to "Believe", with a bold, modern twist. The video's aesthetic, with its vibrant colour palette and sensual narrative, reinforces the album's visual approach.
"S.M.O.", another single from the album, fuses 80s Ghanaian highlife with Detroit bass and zouk melodies. The song, accompanied by a music video directed by Omar Jones and filmed in Ghana, reflects Amaarae's cultural roots and his ability to blend global influences into a unique sound. The collaboration with supermodel Naomi Campbell, who closes the track "ms60" with a monologue about the importance of embodying the album's title track, adds an additional layer of sophistication and empowerment.
With Black Star, Amaarae reaffirms her position as an artist who challenges convention and celebrates cultural diversity through her music and visual aesthetic. Her multidisciplinary approach and commitment to representation continues to resonate with audiences around the world. The album has been recognised for its ability to fuse different genres and for its bold exploration of themes of identity and empowerment.
Black Star's visual invasion of New York not only highlights Amaarae's artistic relevance, but also underlines the power of music and art to transform urban spaces and generate cultural dialogues. With this release, Amaarae proves once again that his art goes beyond music, becoming a vehicle for change and reflection.
Source: blacvolta.com; theguardian.com