Amaarae makes history as first Ghanaian-born female artist to headline a solo set at Coachella 2025

Amaarae is making major waves in the music industry.

Born Ama Serwah Genfi and formerly known as Petrah, she just became the first Ghanaian-born female artist to perform a solo billed set at the Coachella music festival this year.

She took to the Gobi stage around 5 p.m. PT during the festival's first weekend, where she delivered live renditions of unreleased tracks, as well as several Ghanaian hits from artists like La Même Gang, Asakaa Boys, Joey B, and more.

She told the crowd:

“A lotta the music you just heard is from my home country, Ghana [...] I love my country so much.”

---

Everything we know about Amaarae so far:

During her set, Amaarae surprised her fans with a big announcement: her new album, Black Star, will debut this summer. However, what caught fans' eyes the most was the moment when the 30-year-old singer seemingly shaved off her long black locks in the middle of her set — a moment that has been going viral on social media since. She also treated fans with a performance of Godzilla, Wengeze, Stables, and Sore during her April 13 set.

The "Sad Girlz Luv Money" singer first grabbed attention in 2017 with her breakout EP Passionfruit Summers. Since then, she has made a name for herself with her tunes, which are a blend of R&B, hip-hop, punk rock, and Afropop.

Amaarae followed up on her EP with The Angel You Don't Know in 2020, and by 2023, she released with Fountain Baby. She also served as the opening act on Sabrina Carpenter's Short n' Sweet Tour in 2024. As for her 2023 hit, "Sad Girls Luv Money" featuring Moliy, it won her the Record of the Year award at the Ghana Music Awards.

Amaarae also took to X the day after her Coachella performance to declare that she will always represent her roots:

"Can’t please everybody unfortunately. & usually I don’t address this type of stuff but last night I gave my heart and soul to a cause I’ve worked towards my whole entire life and I’m elated w the result !!!!"

She continued:

"I’ve used my voice various other times & as always people don’t have all the info but it is what it is !!! today on the biggest stage of my life I used my voice the loudest it’s ever been! I love Ghana no matter what so whether you hate it or love it… I’m still gonna rep it!"

---

Currently, further details, including its release dates, about Amaarae's upcoming album remain under wraps.