Ghanaian-American singer-songwriter Amaarae recently sat down with Dotty on Apple Music 1 to discuss a range of topics, including her acclaimed album Fountain Baby, her disappointment at being snubbed by the Grammys, her vision for Alté artists in the music industry, and her aspirations for the future.
Despite the critical acclaim surrounding her album Fountain Baby, Amaarae expressed surprise and disappointment at not receiving any Grammy nominations. “I actually had wanted to be nominated for at least five Grammys,” she revealed. “There was not a doubt in my mind, especially because it was so critically acclaimed.” However, she acknowledged that while she was initially saddened by the snub, she ultimately found solace in the support of her fans and her own artistic integrity.
Reflecting on her role in the music industry, Amaarae emphasized her commitment to pushing boundaries and defying genre labels. “I see myself as a really cool rock star who’s on the cutting edge of what African music is,” she explained. She expressed a desire to see greater recognition for alternative African music, citing artists like Gabzy and Victony who are pushing the boundaries of traditional genres.
Amaarae also shared her thoughts on the mainstream perception of African music, urging artists to focus on building their own ecosystems rather than seeking external validation. “We have to even stop trying to care about what the mainstream thinks,” she asserted. “What does a white girl that likes Taylor Swift going to tell you about an African artist?”
Discussing her aspirations as an executive producer and A&R, Amaarae expressed interest in working with artists like Tyla to help them explore new sonic territories. “I think there’s all the potential there,” she said. “I would love to see her get a little riskier with it.”
Looking ahead to her next project, Amaarae hinted at a departure from the sound of Fountain Baby, emphasizing her desire to continually challenge herself as an artist. “I definitely know that I don’t want to make Fountain Baby again,” she declared. “I owe it to myself to try to push my boundaries as much as I can.”
As Amaarae continues to break new ground in the music industry, fans can expect nothing less than innovation and creativity from this dynamic artist.
With her insightful commentary and unwavering commitment to artistic integrity, Amaarae is poised to leave an indelible mark on the global music landscape.
