Amaarae is back. Making her return with the kaleidoscopic sonic range of new single “Co-Star”, she pays tribute to the many beautiful women in Africa and the Diaspora. Fans of the sensational Ghanaian-American artist would observe that since releasing the genre-bending ‘The Angel You Don’t Know’ in 2020, Amaarae has receded from the task of putting out any new music, rather consolidating on the strengths of that great body of work. 

With collaborators including Cruel Santino, Mellissa, Kojey Radical and CKAY, the musician had united diverse sonic textures to create an accomplished, mesmerising whole, making that debut one of the most talked-about projects of its era. It also spawned the mega-hit “SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY”, which rode on the waves of genuine fan love from TikTok virality to become one of the biggest songs in the world a year later, in 2021. An electrifying remix with Colombian-American artist Kali Uchis only worked to solidify its star power, amassing over 379 million global streams ever since.

Amaarae’s new record “Co-Star” comes on the back of these successes, although if there’s anyone who has proven consistent in extending her viral streaks into a body of work with lasting currency, it’s Amaarae. The release follows after “Reckless & Sweet” in March, where she stripped down the psychedelic pomp of ‘TAYDK’ for renewed sensitivity, boasting sweet guitar licks which underscored those ambitions. “Co-Star” is a decidedly distinct affair, featuring breezy sound elements which coaxes a teasing performance from Amaarae. With fluttering cadences and a narrative sequencing that calls upon zodiac imagery and game-esque presentation, it’s a fitting nod in the new direction Amaarae is charting. 

For a while now, those who follow the Ghanaian singer on social media might have been familiar with the ‘Fountain Baby’ title, and she’s just crystallised that by announcing it as the title of her anticipated sophomore album. Now, Amaarae has shared news of the album which is slated for release on June 9 via Interscope, and it is in celebration she releases the ravishing “Co-Star”, which exists at her signature intersection of female empowerment, subversion of gender norms, and a thrilling exploration of female sexuality and artistic self-expression – doing all this while centring her West African heritage within a sprawling global lens. 

“Co-Star” comes with scintillating visuals directed by Lauren Dunn. Reminiscent of the 90s supermodel era, it captures the song’s enchanting allure by creating a Co-Star competition which features some of the baddest women in the game such as The Clermont Twins, model Biba Williams, Nigerian rapper Deto Black, 1XBlue designer Lois Saunders, photographer, model Moyosore Briggs, and many others. The release comes just some weeks after Amaarae’s show-stealing performance at the launch of the Mugler x H&M collaboration in New York City, which also saw her revealed as the face of the collection, another feathered addition to modelling within the highest echelons in the fashion world. 

“‘Co-Star’ is a fun song about star signs,” she said in a statement. “I wanted to give people something cute and flirty for the summer. Astrology is such a huge part of our youth culture, it felt like a missed opportunity to not lean into that and give the girls an anthem that reads and celebrates them all at once. The video is amazing too! Having some of my favourite women in the whole world represent themselves in such an iconic way. The Clermont Twins are such a huge part of alternative African culture. These are the tastemakers of our time. It’s really so amazing to bring them all together”. 

‘Fountain Baby’ is nearly here and from the looks of its rollout, it will surely be an experience to enjoy for several years to come. For now, Amaarae has done well to place “Co-Star” at the forefront of that experience. Hearing and seeing the intentionality behind the record, we’re surely excited for the tidings June would come with.