A (Black) Star Is Born
On Childhood, Drive & Family
Tell me a little about your childhood. Any memories that stick out to you today?
Honestly, it feels so long ago, it's hard to remember sometimes. But music was always a big part of my life. I remember my dad driving me to my mom’s office and we’d always be listening to music in the car.
It seems like your family has instilled a real sense of greatness in you. I saw your sister just received her Ph.D, as well—where does that drive come from?
My mom, for sure. She’s so ambitious. She’s worked in finance, marketing, and in the Ghanaian government. She’s always set a strong example for us. One thing she’s always said that’s stuck with me: “When you’re working with others, always be kind and polite.” That’s shaped how I move in the world—how I lead, how I collaborate. I try to create fair, just working environments.
What’s it like working so closely with your mom in your career?
It’s been... interesting. We've learned a lot about each other. I’m more free-spirited and edgy; she’s more conservative, but also very open-minded and extremely hardworking. We’re both strong thinkers. We disagree a lot. On work calls, she’ll be the one to say, “Don’t do that,” and I’ll be like, “No—you don’t understand!” Not just because we’re mother and daughter, but because we’re coming from different schools of thought.
She’s a conservative African mom in many ways. She’ll see a picture and ask, “Are you smoking now? Why?” And I’m like, “Relax! I don’t smoke every day, it was just for the photo or the vibe.” She's always reminding me I’m a role model for young African women, especially because I’m provocative and she’s more traditional. We don’t always agree, but I respect her deeply.
On Black Girl Empowerment
I’ve heard this new era is about Black girl empowerment. What made you want to center that? Is there something you wish you heard sooner—something you’ve been affirmed in or are unlearning?
Everything I do is about empowering Black girls. When I think about my music, I mostly see alt Black women. This era is different, though—it’s about being a Black Star. That phrase means something to me: my daily existence, the people who love my music, the energy we create together.
I was thinking about what it means to be a Black Star—not just within myself, but in how I pass that feeling on. It’s important. We don’t see enough Black girls get to be stars. We’re not afforded as many opportunities to be mediocre and still receive visibility or resources.
I know how much I’ve had to master my craft, how alert I have to be, how I built my business from the ground up. So when I think about who I want to give power to, it’s Black women. Only them.
And how have fans responded to that energy?
That’s been the most affirming part. The fan interactions are the rollout. Like when I tweeted, “I need 50 of the most beautiful girls to meet me at the park,” and 50 Black girls showed up. They share their stories with me. And in pedestalizing me, they’re pedestalizing themselves. I make sure they know I’m accessible. We can talk. We can hug.
What’s something you’ve had to unlearn?
Patience. With myself, with others, with the process of life. That’s been my biggest area of growth.
On Creative Process & Place
You’re not new to this—what’s a non-negotiable part of your creative process now?
I like to make albums in new environments. I travel somewhere I’ve never been—like the Canary Islands for Angel You Don’t Know. The fresh air, the horses grazing in the streets... it opens me up creatively. For Fountain Baby, I went to Brazil. The people there are so free in spirit, in thought, in love, in art. No barriers. They enjoy life to the fullest. It was beautiful to be welcomed into a community I didn’t know I had—and to bring my team along for the ride.
Where in the world has shaped your artistry most?
My hometown, Ghana. It’s the first place I had any real contact with anything—food, music, love, art, family. From being 14 or 15 to now, that’s where it all started.
What’s your comfort meal?
We have this dish called waakye. It’s like a rice and beans stew with avocado, onions, burnt shrimp paste, shito, pepper, gari, spaghetti... I need all of that.
On Play, Persona, and Performance
How have you been having fun this time around?
By centering the fans—not just mine, but the music of others. I’ve been curating experiences with DJs from the community, and making it about their stories too.
Your voice can be soft, sharp, playful, powerful. How do you choose which vocal persona shows up in a song?
It depends on what I want to communicate. Mischievous? Sharp. Vulnerable? Soft. Sometimes airy or smooth. Other times I want to scream. I just follow the song’s energy.
Any lyrics from the new project that feel especially close to you?
Yes—several. One of my favorites is from “B2B.” It starts playful and cheeky, and then gets really somber and reflective.
“I’ve been into you, I like what we do / Now come into me, see my point of view.” “It took me years to see the signs, bitch, I was on the cusp.”
Another one is “Dream Scenario”:
“Kisses in the key of love, it’s ebony / Angel when you breathe into me, heavenly.” “My bitch style like Edna Mode / Can’t put on no cape for her!” “Yes my life is wavier / But she make it wavier ier ier ier ier ier.” “I need a love for summer / Now, what are you gonna do with it? / I know my heart is sensitive / What are you gonna do with it?”
You’ve been playing festivals—and more are on the way. How do you think about your live shows?
What’s the dream version? A small crowd—like 100 people. I just want to sing everything acoustic. Some B-sides. Even the stuff I put on SoundCloud.
On Joy, Humor & Style
I saw you retweeted a Druski video. Got a favorite skit of his?
Yes! The one he did a couple years back about football moms of middle schoolers and then the recent white “Y/N” one killed me.
What’s been bringing you joy lately?
Hanging out with my family. Going to Paris for fashion. Just being surrounded by people I love.
How does your current style reflect what you're feeling inside?
I wear all black all the time because I am the Black Star. It feels like armor. I feel invincible.
