Amaarae Returns With New Single, “LIKE IT”
Ahead of her sophomore EP, the self-proclaimed Warrior Princess, Amaarae, has returned with another eccentric single titled “LIKE IT.” Amaarae is a Ghanaian singer, songwriter, producer and sound engineer who grew up between Ghana and the U.S. As a truly multifaceted artist, Amaarae has placed her mark firmly in Africa’s bubbling new sub–genre, Alté, and takes influence from genres like highlife, afrobeats, pop, future sound R&B and soul.
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- Photo Courtesy of Artist
With “LIKE IT,” Amaarae creates a sexy Alt R&B that is cut with a fusion of afro-beats and dancehall inspired rhythms that flips a dark trip-hop sample into a menacing banger. “LIKE IT” is an African jam for the ages and a postmodern manifesto that says not only do opposites attract, but they also make magic when they collide. “I want people to feel like they can dance to it, or make love to it and for even very hard guys to be able to vibe to it,” says Amaarae.
Photo Courtesy of Artist
The inspiration behind “LIKE IT” can be seen as an unceremonious uniting of those kids at high school you would least expect to see hanging out. It shocks you but also intrigues you to understand how these two things connect and work well together. The uniqueness of “LIKE IT” is evident in the track’s imposing yet adamant instrumentals. It picks at opposite ideas and makes them a smashing vibe that translates together very effortlessly. As you listen, this theme begins to reveal itself.
Photo Courtesy of Artist
If “Spend Some Time” featuring Wande Coal was a sweet refrain, “LIKE IT” is its sinister twin sister and in this case “LIKE IT” is both the former and the latter using her sweet and feathery falsetto against a grungier, ball-busting canvas. In Amaarae’s words, she wants to use “LIKE IT” as an opportunity for people to get to know both sides of herself and her sound: “I wanted to push myself further than just making mellow jams and I used a beat I thought was the opposite. – this for me says to people: hey, I‘m evolving and evolution very often is going to be filled with risk taking and full of adventure and might get uncomfortable sometimes but I want people to be okay with being uncomfortable.”
“LIKE IT” is available on all platforms here.
Crystal Anokam
Crystal Anokam is a Nigerian-American portrait photographer and writer based in Philadelphia, PA. Crystal's work resolves around themes of blackness, identity and community. She is dedicated to capturing authentic narratives that transcend time, connect with people and move culture forward.
