Ghanaian-American singer, Amaarae, recently shared a candid revelation during an interview with ABC News Live Prime on September 28, 2024, where she opened up about experiencing more hatred than love since returning to Ghana in 2017.
The “Sad Girlz Luv Money” hitmaker attributed this hostility to her bold and expressive nature as a woman. Amaarae believes her outspoken personality has unsettled some in her community, sparking a need for deeper conversations on women’s empowerment and societal expectations.
“I don’t think that I’ve seen anyone get as much hatred from their home country as I have, which is unfortunate,” Amaarae remarked. “It also has a lot to do with me being a woman and being so bold and expressive. It shocked and scared people because real conversations about our community and the way women are viewed and allowed to express themselves need to happen. You don’t have to conform or fall into boxes. You can pave your own path, stick to it, and see it through.”
Despite the backlash, Amaarae continues to thrive in her music career. She is currently on tour with American pop artist Sabrina Carpenter, captivating audiences around the world with her genre-blurring sound. During the interview, she also shared her thoughts on musical genres, stating that they can often be restrictive for artists.
“Genres can be limiting and I think that once you love music, I mean I’m sure you can relate, you yourself you love music, once you love music you want to be able to express it in every way.”
Amaarae’s fearless spirit and dedication to self-expression continue to inspire many, as she challenges the norms and carves out her unique space in both the local and global music scenes.
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Story by: Kelvin B. Annor-Yeboah | univers.ug.edu.gh
