Princeton University is set to host Ghanaian-American singer-songwriter Amaarae as the headlining act for its highly anticipated Fall 2025 Lawnparties event, scheduled for this coming Sunday. The popular biannual celebration, a cornerstone of the university’s social calendar, will feature the genre-bending artist performing on the main stage before local student band Casual Riot kicks off the festivities.
Lawnparties, a tradition dating back to at least 2006, typically draws thousands of students and offers a vibrant mix of live music, food vendors, and activities across the university’s campus, particularly along Prospect Avenue where many eating clubs are located. The event has a history of booking notable musical talent, with past headliners including major artists like Rihanna, Big Sean, and A$AP Ferg, establishing it as a significant platform for both established and emerging musicians.
Amaarae: A Global Music Force
Born Ama Serwah Genfi, Amaarae is a compelling figure in contemporary music, celebrated for her distinctive fusion of pop, R&B, alté, and afrobeats. Raised between the vibrant cultural landscapes of Ghana and the United States, her upbringing has deeply informed her eclectic sound and artistic vision. Amaarae first began making waves in the music industry with her debut EP, “Passionfruit Summers,” released in 2017. Her 2020 album, “The Angel You Don’t Know,” garnered critical acclaim, with the track “Sad Girlz Luv Money” achieving viral status, particularly after a popular remix featuring Kali Uchis propelled it to international charts.
Her artistry is characterized by a unique vocal delivery and lyrics that explore themes of love, self-discovery, and identity, all delivered within an innovative soundscape that bridges West African rhythms with global pop sensibilities. This distinctive approach has positioned her as a trailblazer in the burgeoning alté and Afrobeats scenes, earning her recognition from platforms like BBC Radio 1Xtra and Apple Music.
Chart-Topping Success and Historic Performances
Amaarae’s profile has continued to ascend significantly in recent times. In April 2025, she made history by becoming the first Ghanaian artist to perform a solo set at the prestigious Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California. Her performance was lauded for its energy and for highlighting Ghanaian culture, including paying tribute to fellow Ghanaian artists. This landmark achievement underscored her growing international stature.
Further cementing her place as a MAJOR ARTIST, Amaarae released her latest album, “Black Star,” in August 2025. The album has already amassed over 5 million streams, showcasing a further evolution in her sound, with critics noting its embrace of club-oriented tracks and a more polished pop aesthetic. This release signifies a new chapter for the artist, expanding her reach within the global MUSIC industry.
Lawnparties Tradition Meets Contemporary Artistry
The selection of Amaarae as the headliner for Fall 2025 Lawnparties signals a continued commitment by Princeton to bring diverse and influential musical acts to its campus. While she may have a lower public profile compared to some previous headliners in terms of raw follower counts or mainstream media saturation, her artistic impact and the significant streaming numbers for “Black Star” speak to her considerable influence within contemporary music circles. The comparison of her Spotify monthly listeners, while noted, should be viewed alongside her rapid rise and unique contribution to the global music dialogue.
The inclusion of student band Casual Riot as the opening act provides a platform for local talent, a common feature of Lawnparties that aims to blend established artists with the university’s own vibrant music community. The band, comprising Princeton students, will set the stage for Amaarae’s dynamic performance.
This news marks an exciting moment for Princeton students, offering them the chance to experience a critically acclaimed and globally recognized ARTIST live on campus. Amaarae’s headline performance at Fall 2025 Lawnparties is poised to be a memorable event, celebrating her unique contribution to the modern MUSIC landscape and continuing the storied tradition of Princeton’s signature fall festival. This latest announcement is significant NEWS for the university’s cultural programming.
