Bnnyhunna is a versatile Dutch-Ghanaian producer and artist recognised for his fusion of Afrobeats, Soul, R&B, and Jazz. Bnnyhunna first rose to prominence as a producer, working with well-known musicians in both the Dutch and international music scenes. His latest release and debut album, ‘ECHOES OF PRAYER,’ represents the culmination of his skills and talents as a producer, tracing back to his first song, “Feelings Mutual?” in 2021. Bnnyhunna tugs at the ears of listeners with his creative freedom, drawing them into a world of pleasurable sounds that stimulates a poetic or vocal interpretation of his robust productions.
The LP fully immerses listeners in a world of sound that blends rich, organic instrumentation with modern production—the creation of a unique and atmospheric sonic landscape. ‘ECHOES OF PRAYER’ features Bnnyhunna’s rare gift in the form of robust productions and minimal, layered vocals.
The 39-minute album opens with the sacred sounds of an organ on “Prayer,” fused with a prominent lead trumpet, the sublime play of sticks on a drumset, and electric guitar, which Bennyhunna combines to produce a hip-hop tune that spills and becomes evident in the second part of the composition. “Calm Waters” feels like flipping to a new sonic chapter with a bass guitar, trumpet, and afrobeat percussive undertones. As the title suggests, the listener is soon transported to the calm waters of an African island—but only for a brief moment.
The brilliant play of the trumpet soon teleports one to the work of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti and his masterful play of the trumpet. The track is followed by the soft, mellow pulls of the guitar on “Avanti”—an Italian word that means “forward” or “ahead”—and also serves as an interlude. The LP transitions into its first vocal track, the soulful ”Silent Chaos,” a title that evokes a paradoxical state where, despite the outward calm, there’s an intense, overwhelming sense of disorder simmering beneath the surface. It’s a silent chaos/when a good thing goes wrong/I hope that it paid off/was it worth it all. The brilliance of Bnnyhunna’s offering as you progress in this sonic composition is the element of surprise. You’re in a magical realm of Jazz this moment, and the next you’re sucked in a soulful, hip-hop world.
Bnnyhunna’s ‘ECHOES OF PRAYER’ includes lead releases like “Calm Waters,” “SHOULD’VE BEEN YOU,” and “Communicate” with Nigeria’s Highlife Fusion band, The Cavemen.
“Communicate” showcases The Cavemen‘s signature delivery, harmonised with Ghana’s own Jembaa Groove’s smooth rhythm. The track unfolds through a four-minute break-up dialogue, emotionally conveyed by Bnnyhunna and Sydney Lowell, while accompanied by a spirited background trumpet.
It glosses into the heavily driven electronic textures of ‘Sonder’, an R&B record that features lustrous female vocals. The track’s prominent use of synthesisers and melodic patterns gives the listener a rare kind of euphoric burst.
As the album ventures into R&B soundscapes, the 2023 track “SHOULD’VE BEEN YOU” reaffirms Bnnyhunna’s artistry, and a song like “Sum Love” highlights his ability to masterfully create music across virtually any genre.
“One Day” feels like the continuation of the story of desire and longing in “Sum Love,” told in the composition of sounds.
The beautiful journey of masterfully composed sounds and delectable vocals concludes with a monologue skit delivered in a Ghanaian accent on “Laminar Flow,” ridden off on a layered production.
With his debut album, Bnnyhunna steps into the spotlight as a solo creative and artist, delivering music that is deeply personal and reflective of his African heritage while incorporating influences from hip-hop, neo-soul, and electronic music. ‘ECHOES OF PRAYERS’ did just that, exploring themes of identity, heritage, and introspection, told in soulful melodies and complex rhythms.
RATING: 8/10
Listen to the album and enjoy!
