Princeton University is gearing up for its highly anticipated Fall 2025 Lawnparties, announcing that Ghanaian-American singer-songwriter Amaarae will be the main headliner for the event. The announcement marks a significant moment, bringing a globally recognized artist known for her unique blend of pop, R&B, alté, and afrobeats to the Ivy League campus.
Lawnparties, a cherished biannual tradition at Princeton, typically features a prominent headliner alongside student acts, food vendors, and various campus activities, drawing thousands of attendees. This year’s selection of Amaarae highlights a continuing trend of universities booking artists who resonate with contemporary global music scenes.
Amaarae’s Ascendancy in the MUSIC Industry
Amaarae, born Ama Serwah Genfi, has steadily built a reputation as a genre-bending ARTIST since her emergence. Born in the Bronx, New York, and raised across Atlanta, New Jersey, and Accra, Ghana, her unique upbringing informs her diverse musical palette. Her 2020 single “Sad Girlz Luv Money” achieved MAJOR international acclaim, particularly after a viral remix featuring Kali Uchis in 2021, which charted on the US Billboard Hot 100 and garnered over 220 million global streams. This success was further amplified by her sophomore album, “Black Star,” released in August 2025, which quickly amassed over 5 million streams, showcasing her growing influence.
Further cementing her status, Amaarae made history in April 2025 by becoming the first Ghanaian artist to perform a solo set at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Her performance was lauded for its vibrant energy and for spotlighting fellow Ghanaian musicians, underscoring her commitment to her cultural roots.
A Tradition of Diverse Headliners
Princeton’s Lawnparties has a history of hosting popular artists, with previous headliners including figures like Rihanna, Jason Derulo, Wiz Khalifa, A$AP Ferg, Flo Milli, Lil Tecca, and A Boogie Wit da Hoodie. These selections often reflect current trends in popular MUSIC and aim to attract a broad student audience. While Amaarae’s inclusion is met with excitement, it’s noted that her public profile, measured by social media followers and streaming numbers, is currently lower compared to some previous, more mainstream headliners. For instance, as of September 2025, her monthly Spotify listeners place her significantly below recent headliners like Lil Tecca. Despite this, her critical acclaim and growing international recognition suggest a unique appeal for the Princeton student body.
The event will also feature local talent, with student band Casual Riot slated to open the main stage, providing a platform for emerging campus artists.
Cultural Significance and Expectations
The selection of Amaarae as the Fall 2025 Lawnparties headliner is significant. As a prominent Ghanaian-American ARTIST, her presence underscores the increasing visibility and influence of African and diasporic music within the global MUSIC landscape. Her ability to fuse diverse genres and her bold artistic expression align with a contemporary shift towards more inclusive and globally-minded programming at universities across the United States.
This news is a major piece of campus MUSIC news for Princeton students, who anticipate Lawnparties as a highlight of the academic year. The event typically signifies the unofficial end of the fall semester and provides a much-needed cultural and social experience. Amaarae’s unique sound and stage presence are expected to deliver a memorable performance for attendees.
As Fall 2025 Lawnparties approaches, anticipation is high for Amaarae’s performance, promising an evening that celebrates the vibrant and evolving soundscape of modern ARTIST and MUSIC, marking another successful chapter in Princeton’s storied tradition.
