Their tomboy aesthetics together with their dyed hairs have become known for dazzling buzz. Charismatic voices and sweet vocals take center stage in this playlist dubbed ‘Amaarae Vs. Darkoo.
Who Is Amaarae?
It is no easy task to build a strong reputation and simultaneously forge a unique path in a developing industry on the cusp of global headway. However, Amaarae has managed to pave a way for herself and her sound in the Sub-Saharan space. Born July 4, 1994 to parents Ama Bawuah and Kwadwo Boateng Genfi, Ama Serwah Genfi (popularly known as Amaarae) is the eldest of two children. A truly multifaceted artist, the Ghanaian singer, songwriter, producer, and sound engineer is fast becoming a force amongst her peers in the West African music scene. Amaarae has placed her mark firmly in Africa’s bubbling new sub –genre; Alté. Her eclectic sound and cool demeanor, coupled with her bold colored hair has solidified her as one of the best new artists to watch. She cites the likes of Billie Holiday, Anthony Kedis and Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks as some of her influences. However, her own unique experi- ences and penmanship contribute to her genre-bending sound.
Her first live shows in Ghana at Café Kwae, Shop Accra and Vine Lounge set the pace for Amaarae. Her unique curated sets saw her win more fans with two intimate shows in New York. These prepared her for larger crowds at Lagos’ Art X in 2018, Backyard Lagos in the same year, and Boiler Room’s True Music Africa in Accra, in March 2019. Her own curated concert, JulyFest in Accra, created an idyllic experience only Amaarae could pull off.
Within a year of pursuing music professionally, her art and talent have been recognized both locally and internationally by outlets such as Boiler Room, Apple Music and Vogue. She was named Apple Music Africa’s Favorite New Artist in April 2018 and became an Apple Music Beats 1 Featured Artiste for her debut project Passionfruit Summers later that year. Her work with musicians such as Ghana’s Stonebwoy and Nigeria’s Santi and Odunsi has brought her name into the limelight as an artist with an uncanny ability to find comfort and success within any genre she pursues. Amaarae has also been acknowledged for her style and fashion sense. In 2018, she was featured in Vogue Magazine online in an article on 5 women across the globe with buzz haircuts and snagged a mention as one of Vogue online’s Top 100 Style Influencers of 2018, in addition to being nominated as Artiste of the Year at the Glitz Style Awards in Ghana. Her lyrical dexterity, unique voice and exceptional style has marked Amaarae as a global artist, putting her ahead of the curve and making her an artist to look forward to in the coming years.
Who Is Darkoo?
South London based, Nigerian born female singer/songwriter (equally sensational rapper) Darkoo released her debut single ”Gas Station” towards the end of 2017 at the tender age of 16. Her charismatic voices and sweet vocals is the main reason why Darkoo is more than an up and coming artist. SHE IS THE REAL DEAL. Soon after releasing Gas Station, Darkoo, joined forces with the highly favoured East London Rapper Mulla Stackz (still at the tender age of 16) to grace us with the Summer 2018 classic “Timeline’. Darkoo musical journey began when she was 15, her first release was as a rapper due to her being influences by both UK and Nigerian based artist. Such as “DIS” (who was popularly known for her single ‘Cheeky’). As well as the other standing Afro beat artist such as Wizkid and Maleek Berry. Through her dedication and love of music Darkoo’s found her unique and charismatic voice and vibrant vocals bloomed once she began to sing. The depth of her vocals even surprised her and she hasn’t looked back since mixing her outstanding harmonies to create catchy hooks (that one can vibe to for days).
Stream ‘Amaarae Vs. Darkoo’ via Spotify
Stream ‘Amaarae Vs Darkoo’ via Apple Music
