I use my platform to speak for queer kids and the unseen – Amaarae
Ghanaian singer and songwriter Amaarae has shared that she views her platform as a powerful tool to advocate for young people especially those who feel unseen or marginalised for expressing themselves freely.
In an interview with Paper Magazine, the ‘Sad Girlz Luv Money’ hitmaker said her music and visual identity are rooted in representing the underrepresented.
“When I look at some of my African peers, I’m the only one whose music and visual identity are extremely different, and who truly represents the underrepresented and disrespected part of our society,” she said.
Amaarae explained that many young Africans struggle to live authentically due to strict social expectations, often leading to emotional distress.
“A lot of kids really struggle with expression and are led to drug use, alcoholism, and suicide because of how difficult it is to live freely in their truth.” She added.
She emphasised that her platform is not just for entertainment but for visibility, hope, and empowerment especially for queer youth and those who feel rejected for being themselves.
“I take my platform very seriously when it comes to advocating, whether it’s the lifestyles of young kids who are queer, or young kids who have run away from home because they’re not allowed to express themselves in a certain way, or young kids who want to live outside of the box in Africa and in Ghana specifically,” she stated. she added.
