Amaarae’s Fountain Baby follow-up is on the way in which. Black Star arrives August 8, by way of Interscope, and you may watch the video for Ghanaian highlife–impressed single “S.M.O.” beneath. The Ghanaian American singer shot the video in Ghana with director Omar Jones. Take a look at the brand new album’s cowl paintings beneath, too.
In a press launch, Amaarae mentioned of the one:
For so long as I’ve made music, fusion has been my energy, and I feel this involves full fruition on “S.M.O.” The tune takes inspiration from Ghanaian ’80s highlife trailblazer Ata Kak and blends it with a imply Detroit membership bass, a drum roll akin to each Magic System’s “1er Gaou” and Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You,” and an infectious zouk melody that feels like a metal pan lipsing an evil synth. I really feel like the brand new Donna Summer time blended with Management-period Janet, and the tune just about speaks for itself. Like “Pleasure Precept” or “Like to Love You Child,” I don’t understand how a lot clearer one can get once they ask you to “SLUT ME OUT.” The message can’t be mistaken, and the beat makes you progress. That’s all I wish to do that summer season, make folks dance and really feel issues!
After releasing Fountain Child, in 2023, Amaarae put out an EP, Roses Are Red, Tears Are Blue — A Fountain Baby Extended Play. Examine Fountain Child at No. 20 in Pitchfork’s rundown of “The 100 Best Albums of the 2020s So Far.”
