Born in the Bronx, music creative Amaarae was raised in Atlanta and Accra, Ghana by two Ghanian parents, a background that informs her equal parts catchy/peculiar alternative rap sound.
We caught up with Bronx-born music creative Amaarae (real name Ama Genfiwhen) when she was fresh off of the release of a visual (filmed in Accra) for “Fancy,” a sing song take on trap illustrating not just her vocals but her clever approach to composing a song.
“Fancy” will be included on her upcoming, debut album, titled The Angel You Don’t Know, which as of now doesn’t have a release date.
We had an email exchange with Amaarae about “Fancy,” her love of a good style statement and the power that comes with being a confident woman.
Check it out below.
Snobette: One of the many cool aspects of your artistry is your look. How important is style for you as a music creative?
Amaarae: “I grew up watching and being inspired by artists and movie stars. Fashion was always a big part of their expression. As a child I always wanted to emulate the artists I loved, fashion, just like music became another vehicle for my self-expression.”
Snobette: What were some of those style icons?
Amaarae: “I loved Kelis, Lenny Kravitz, Missy Elliot, Björk, Helena Bonham Carter and of course the GOAT Lil’ Kim.”
Snobette: Is music your main form of artistic expression? If not what are some other ways in which you express your creativity?
Amaarae: “I love to cook! And I’m kind of incredible at it if I do say so myself (lol)!”
Snobette: Your look in “Fancy” was giving BDSM meets superhero. Was that intentional?
Amaarae: “Absolutely. I think it was really powerful to tow the line between a dominatrix who wields an immense amount of power sexually, but also does so solely in private versus a superhero whose power is derived not only through their incredible physical feats but gains influence and power through the admiration of humans.
“The message here is that our sexual power as women is something to be admired and embraced, firstly by ourselves. Once you’re comfortable and confident within your skin, It’s your duty to go forth and conquer this life. You know, you might change somebody’s life with that ‘WAP.’ Hell! You might even change the world with that ‘WAP.’ Because EVERYTHING is possible with that ‘WAP.'”
Below, enjoy Amaarae’s “Fancy” music video directed by David Nicol Sey and styled by Kelvin Vincent, Richard Baba and Nana Kwasi Wiafe.
