Bnnyhunna - Echoes of Prayer (Album)
Picture Credit: Ines Vansteenkiste-Muylle
Following the release of ‘Communicate’ and ‘Silent Chaos’, Ghanaian-Dutch artist Bnnyhunna marks a significant milestone in his career with the release of his debut album, Echoes of Prayer, out now via Orange Blues.
Renowned for his distinctive fusion of jazz, hip-hop, and Afro rhythms, Bnnyhunna (born Benjamin Ankomah) invites listeners into a deeply personal and spiritual exploration, reflecting his faith, his early experiences in the church, and his West African heritage.
Echoes of Prayer draws from Bnnyhunna’s upbringing, where he first learned piano, drums, and guitar in church. Every track on the album serves as a form of prayer, a conversation with God. The album showcases his ability to weave poetic lyrics, vivid visuals, and captivating melodies, creating an immersive experience that resonates on a spiritual and emotional level.
The project highlights his versatility and musical integrity. From the jazzy undertones of ‘Calm Waters’ to the rhythmic Afrobeat influences of ‘Communicate’ and the soulful, piano-driven ‘Silent Chaos,’ Bnnyhunna blends elements of ‘70s P-Funk grooves, gospel harmonies, and modern hip-hop rhythms. Each song represents a different facet of Bnnyhunna’s artistic vision. The smooth R&B vibes of ‘Should’ve Been You’ evoke nostalgia, while ‘Sum Love’ features church-like harmonies and a gospel-infused choir. Interludes like ‘Avanti’ offer warmth through guitar riffs, creating moments of reflection. The diversity of sound is further enriched by his collaborators, with The Cavemen adding their highlife revival to the mix and Jembaa Groove contributing their West African-inspired rhythms.
Bnnyhunna crafted his sound by blending his West African heritage with influences from icons like Quincy Jones, Yusef Dayes, Kendrick Lamar, Fela Kuti, Pharrell Williams, and Herbie Hancock. His debut project EP SINTHA quickly established him as a rising talent, leading to collaborations with artists like Asake, Rimon, and José James. He gained momentum by selling out his first headline show, which included a surprise performance from genre-blending jazz group KOKOROKO, and receiving global recognition from platforms like Highsnobiety, VICE, and Complex, as well as performing at prestigious festivals such as North Sea Jazz and Montreux Jazz. Bnnyhunnachallenges conventional music by engaging all the senses through photography, videography, and poetry. His multifaceted approach underscores his commitment to authenticity and artistic integrity.
The release of Echoes of Prayer follows a year of significant achievements for Bnnyhunna. In 2024, he performed for Highsnobiety at Paris Fashion Week, appeared at prestigious festivals such as Dekmantel and Zwarte Cross, and played a standout performance at the Steam Down Weekly series in London. Additionally, he composed an original score for the Dutch National Opera, premiering on October 27th. To celebrate the album’s release, Bnnyhunna will host two exclusive album launch shows in Utrecht and Amsterdam at the end of October.
Looking ahead to November, he will be supporting KOKOROKO across their European tour dates, joining them for their shows in Belgium, The Netherlands and France throughout November.
With an international tour on the horizon, Bnnyhunna is set to make his biggest impact yet. His debut album Echoes of Prayer not only reflects his artistic evolution but also offers a powerful message about the healing power of music.