In an era where African music and culture are commanding global attention, few individuals embody the spirit of creativity, empowerment, and community development quite like Amanda Star. A London-born Ghanaian creative director, presenter, events host, voiceover artist, youth mentor, and founder of Young Black Shining Star, Amanda has spent more than 15 years helping emerging talent discover their voices and navigate the creative industry.
In an exclusive conversation with Just4Women UK and Africa, Amanda shared her journey, insights on the entertainment industry, and her passion for developing the next generation of Black creatives.
A Calling Discovered at a Young Age
Amanda’s journey into media and entertainment began long before she stepped behind a microphone.
She recalls being an energetic child whose potential was recognized by a primary school teacher who encouraged her to consider a career in radio presenting. Inspired by Ghanaian broadcaster June Sarpong, Amanda developed a passion for media that eventually led her into radio, hosting, and presenting.
Today, she is not only a successful presenter but also a mentor helping aspiring broadcasters and creatives develop their confidence and skills.
Interestingly, her professional name carries a special connection to her Ghanaian heritage.
“The star in Amanda Star represents the Black Star on the Ghanaian flag,” she explains.
Bridging the UK and Ghanaian Creative Industries
Having worked extensively in both the UK and Ghana, Amanda has a unique perspective on the differences between the two creative ecosystems.
While London offers a fast-paced environment with established structures, Ghana operates at a slower pace with different logistical and cultural dynamics. Adjusting initially came with challenges, but Amanda has embraced the opportunity to reconnect with her roots and contribute to Ghana’s growing creative landscape.
Through initiatives such as Young Black Shining Star and Elevate Your Sound, she and her team have successfully brought artist development programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities to Ghana.
For Amanda, the experience has been transformative.
“It has been a marriage made in heaven,” she says, describing the fusion of knowledge gained in London with the incredible talent emerging from Ghana.
Unlocking the Potential of Ghana’s Music Industry
One of Amanda’s strongest observations is the abundance of talent in Ghana.
However, she believes many artists struggle due to gaps in infrastructure, industry knowledge, and professional development opportunities.
Through Elevate Your Sound, Amanda and her partners focus on providing creatives with practical skills including:
- Financial literacy
- Artist development
- Brand identity
- Music business education
- Personal development
She has witnessed firsthand how even short, intensive training programs can transform artists’ mindsets and help them approach their careers more strategically.
According to Amanda, knowledge remains one of the most valuable tools an emerging artist can possess.
Common Mistakes Emerging Artists Make
Amanda believes one of the biggest challenges facing upcoming artists is the lack of access to information and industry support.
Many talented individuals possess the creative ability but lack an understanding of the business side of entertainment. As a result, they often struggle to build sustainable careers.
She emphasizes that confidence, education, and networking are essential for success.
Rather than waiting for opportunities, Amanda encourages artists to seek information, build relationships, and actively invest in their professional growth.
What Makes Talent Stand Out?
After years of mentoring young creatives, Amanda has identified two qualities that consistently separate those who succeed from those who struggle:
Passion
True passion cannot be manufactured. Amanda believes that individuals who genuinely love their craft are more resilient and willing to put in the effort required to succeed.
Confidence
Confidence allows creatives to step forward, share their work, and pursue opportunities without fear.
When passion and confidence are combined, Amanda believes extraordinary things can happen.
Breaking Beyond Limitations
Amanda is particularly passionate about helping Black creatives see themselves as global talents rather than individuals confined to specific spaces or audiences.
She notes that many young creatives unconsciously limit themselves because they rarely see examples of people like themselves occupying international platforms.
Through mentorship and personal development, she works to challenge those limiting beliefs and encourage young people to think bigger.
“Why can’t you be in all spaces?” she asks.
It is a question that sits at the heart of her work.
The Power of Community and Collaboration
Amanda strongly believes that collaboration is key to unlocking greater opportunities for young talent.
She advocates for more platforms, events, mentorship programs, and partnerships that allow emerging creatives to showcase their abilities and connect with industry professionals.
“We’re better in numbers,” she says.
Her philosophy reflects a growing movement across Africa and the diaspora to create stronger creative ecosystems through collaboration rather than competition.
Women Supporting Women
When discussing opportunities for Black women in media and entertainment, Amanda is optimistic.
She has seen significant progress over the years, particularly through initiatives designed to elevate women’s voices and celebrate their achievements.
One area where she sees tremendous promise is Ghana.
Amanda has been inspired by the willingness of women in Ghana to connect, collaborate, and support one another.
For her, this sense of community is an important ingredient in building sustainable success for women across industries.
Managing Multiple Roles Without Burnout
As someone who wears many hats, Amanda is often asked how she manages her demanding schedule.
Her answer is simple: she loves what she does.
While she acknowledges the importance of time management and intentional living, Amanda views her work as an extension of her purpose rather than a burden.
She describes herself as a natural go-getter whose creativity thrives through action and engagement.
More importantly, she has learned to balance ambition with self-care and intentionality.
African Culture on the Global Stage
Amanda has witnessed the remarkable rise of African music and culture over the past decade.
Growing up, being African was not always celebrated in mainstream spaces. Today, however, African sounds, fashion, and culture are embraced worldwide.
She believes the global success of Afrobeats and African creatives is only the beginning.
In particular, Amanda sees enormous potential for Ghanaian artists to achieve even greater international recognition in the years ahead.
A Message to Young Africans and Black Creatives
As the conversation drew to a close, Amanda shared a message that reflects both her faith and her life philosophy:
Believe in yourself. Have faith. Stay consistent. Keep going.
She encourages young people to trust their journey, embrace life’s challenges as opportunities for growth, and surround themselves with people who inspire and uplift them.
At 41, Amanda says she feels stronger, wiser, and more fulfilled than ever before.
Her story is a powerful reminder that success is not simply about talent—it is about perseverance, purpose, community, and faith.
Through her work as a presenter, mentor, and creative leader, Amanda Star continues to inspire a new generation of Black creatives to dream bigger, aim higher, and shine brighter.
