Amaarae's Sophomore Album Fountain Baby is the Baddie's Manifesto

The Ghanaian American singer-songwriter is on her journey to self-discovery through music, fashion, and beauty.

By Wanna ThompsonPhotography by Chinazam OjukwuStyled by Karissa Mitchell

July 19, 2023

Amaarae's Sophomore Album Fountain Baby is the Baddie's Manifesto

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You can't escape the exceptionally fly musical wonder that is Amaarae. A few months after the Ghanaian American singer-songwriter's release of Fountain Baby, the album is emerging as the soundtrack of the summer, with countless listeners along for the ride. Whether it's "Co-Star" or "Princess Going Digital," Amaarae's music is a delicious treat that is being devoured by baddies worldwide.

Amaarae wears a Norma Kamali hooded bodysuit and her own ring.

Says Amaarae via our Zoom call, “This album taught me valuable lessons about romantic and platonic relationships. Throughout the process," which began for this project in February 2021, “I shed old skin and lost some friends. Although it was a painful experience, I approached these situations gracefully, avoiding anger and impulsive actions or words I would regret later.”

She adds, “I learned the value of relationships, remaining calm, actively reflecting on my actions, and perspectives beyond my own.”

Fountain Baby, which was originally planned as a summer EP release, was thoughtfully conceived with producers in Paris, London, and Lagos. The collective met in LA for a music camp, then ventured into organized writing camps in Ghana. The album was then mastered in Amsterdam, where fan-favorite "Counterfeit" was created.

In the midst of this schedule, Amaarae teamed up with music legend Babyface for a three-day session. While observing his process, she decided more needed to be done for her songs. “I realized the areas where I could improve the lyrics and enhance the storytelling,” she recalls, "while keeping them relatable, fun, and clever."

Amaarae wears a Herv Lger dress Hugo Kreit earrings and Jenny Bird rings.

Of the transition from her last album, The Angel You Don't Know — which features the undeniable smash "Sad Girlz Luv Money" — Amaarae says each album has a separate personality that any listener should be able to enjoy. “I perceive them as two distinct elements: One is like water and the other like fire,” she explains. "The Angel You Don't Know embodies the essence of water. My vocals on that album had a relaxed quality, and the instrumentals were vibrant and colorful. On the other hand, Fountain Baby represents fire. It exudes intensity. With this album, I felt a deep hunger and a need to prove myself."

Amaarae wears a Herv Lger dress Hugo Kreit earrings Jenny Bird rings and Gianvito Rossi heels.

Drawing inspiration from influential icons such as Janet Jackson and the cultural impact her music videos had during Amaarae's formative years as a listener, she prides herself on taking risks to convey her story authentically. “I realized that my core message revolves around curiosity, love, and raw fearlessness,” she says. "Not only through the music but also visually, I wanted people to feel sexy, feel good, and have fun."

When asked about the most vulnerable track on the new album, Amaarae immediately points to "Sex, Violence, Suicide," a fan-favorite that highlights the pop star's distinctive vocals, particularly during the initial melody before the shift to the punk rock segment: “That section of the song was undoubtedly one of my most vulnerable moments.”

But she quickly adds, "I must mention 'Wasted Eyes.' Although it may not seem like a profound message when you listen to it, I actually wrote it about the fear I experienced in a relationship. I struggled to commit fully and instead demonized the other person to justify my inclination to escape."

Amaarae wears a Gimaguas top and Dheygere earrings.

Amaarae wears a Gimaguas top Dheygere earrings Luu Dan denim and Giuseppe Zanotti heels.

Throughout the process of making this album, Amaarae's style and beauty choices have evolved with her lyricism. While gushing about who is on her mood board, she name-drops the fictional character Toni Childs from the show Girlfriends, rap superstar Missy Elliott, and Alicia Keys for her iconic braid styles from the 2000s. “Braids have always been my preferred hairstyle, especially in brown, as it has become my signature look,” says Amaarae.

“Choosing braids as part of my overall look was deliberate,” she explains. "Many Black girls may not consider braids suitable for various occasions, thinking they are more fitting for vacations or casual settings. But I wanted to demonstrate that braids can be worn in stylish and sexy ways, whether for work, parties, or any occasion."

Amaarae cites Natasha Zinco, Poster Girl, Mugler, and Charlotte Knowles as fashion designers she loves, and says her style choices over the past few years are in a “grown and sexy” period, boasting striking cut-outs and sexier silhouettes.

As for her beauty choices, Amaarae is as playful as ever, winged liner being her ultimate go-to, matched with black or brown liner and a glossy finish. "It's like the national anthem for me and many others," she says.

Across Amaarae's visual identity and music, the 2000s take precedence in her multidimensional world. “What stands out about the 2000s is the value and quality of entertainment, especially its significance to young Black people,” she notes.

Amaarae wears a Barragn top Jenny Bird earrings with coat and heels by Marc Jacobs.

“Think of iconic figures like Raven-Symoné, Destiny's Child, TLC, and many more,” she continues. “The styling and representation of Black individuals during that time was exceptional. Young Black women, men, and teenagers were portrayed in the best possible light. Shows like One on One, with Kyla Pratt, left a lasting impression on me.”

With longevity in mind, Amaarae holds onto the energy of the 2000s and plans to carry it throughout her visuals, including videos for "Reckless," "Sweet," and "Co-Star."

Amaarae's aim is simple: to produce quality work without rushing her creative output. “I want to flaunt Black people looking good and feeling good. Unfortunately, it feels like we're losing that essence. The vastness of the internet has led to a lack of quality control. Artists are no longer being developed over several years, like in the past.”

For example: “Erykah Badu spent years performing in clubs before releasing her debut album in 1997. She captivated audiences with her voice and stage presence. We're missing that level of dedication and growth today," she says.

“Three individuals come to mind,” says Amaarae, naming in record time the pop artists who have inspired her. "Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, and Janet Jackson. What sets them apart is their distinct, unique voices. They have the remarkable ability to explore a wide range of styles, energies, and sounds, thanks to the mastery of their own voices. That plays a significant role in pop music."

The second crucial aspect of pop for Amaarae is a willingness to take risks and push boundaries. "It's about going to great lengths to demonstrate to oneself and the audience that they are more than people perceive them to be," she says.

Amaarae is in tune with herself and her career. She reiterates the importance of creative control, concluding that it is something she will never give up.

Truly a student of music and popular culture at the intersection of beauty and style, Amaarae knows no bounds, and continues to serve you fierce on a silver platter. “With Fountain Baby, I felt a sense of self-discovery musically and visually," she says. "It was a deliberate decision to evolve my image from an edgy tomboy to a confident, sensual woman — reflecting my current state. I approached the transformation with careful consideration and a thorough process.”