Princeton University has revealed that Ghanaian American singer-songwriter Amaarae will headline the Fall 2025 edition of Lawnparties, scheduled for Sunday, September 7, in front of the Frist Campus Center.
The festival will kick off with student band Casual Riot before Amaarae takes the main stage. A signature tradition at Princeton, Lawnparties is held twice a year and brings together live music, performances across Prospect Avenue’s eating clubs, food vendors, games, and outdoor festivities.
Amaarae, celebrated for her genre-blending sound that fuses pop, R&B, alté, and Afrobeats, has steadily built global recognition. Born in the Bronx and raised between Accra, Atlanta, and New Jersey, she broke barriers earlier this year as the first Ghanaian artist to perform a solo set at Coachella.
Her August album Black Star racked up over 5 million streams in its opening weeks, further cementing her reputation as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary music. She is widely known for her 2020 breakout single Sad Girlz Luv Money, which went viral globally following a 2021 remix featuring Kali Uchis.
Her selection as headliner marks a new direction for Lawnparties, which has leaned toward rap artists in recent years. By Apple Music’s categorization, Amaarae is the first Afro-Pop artist to lead the event.
Still, her streaming numbers remain modest compared to past headliners. Spring 2024’s act, Lil Tecca, draws over 27 million monthly Spotify listeners, while Amaarae’s audience is smaller. Organizers, however, emphasized that her artistry outweighs the metrics.
“I think everything about Amaarae is visionary,” said Misa Mims ’27, a member of the planning team. “She’s an eclectic artist, and her music is infectious.”
Amaarae’s influence extends beyond music. She has consistently challenged gender norms, using fluid pronouns and inclusive storytelling in her songwriting. For organizers, that perspective adds value to the lineup.
“I’m genuinely thrilled that we’re welcoming Amaarae, a groundbreaking Afrobeat artist, to Princeton this year,” said D’Schon Simmons ’27. “Right now, it’s more important than ever to highlight diverse voices and showcase the richness of Black culture on our campus.”
The announcement came just days before the event — the shortest notice since Fall 2021. Amaarae is scheduled to perform at 3:00 p.m., though past headliners have sometimes taken the stage later.
This semester’s Lawnparties will feature returning food vendors like Nomad, Tico’s, Rita’s, Taco Bell, and Cheesecake on a Stick, along with newcomers such as Alfalfa, Jammin’ Crepes, and Silver Line Wings. Kosher options will also be provided. Students are encouraged to dress in bohemian styles and earth-tone colors.
With her bold artistry and distinctive sound, Amaarae’s performance is expected to be a standout moment — both for this year’s Lawnparties and for Princeton students eager to experience an artist on the rise.
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