Bad Bena - Holy Triad (Official Video)
BAD BENA, the rising star hailing from the vibrant St. Ann in Jamaica, has released her most personal and powerful work to date with her new single, ‘HOLY TRIAD’. The soul-stirring dancehall and trap fusion track is a raw and honest exploration of the emotional and spiritual challenges that come with leaving home and forging a new path in a foreign land. As Bad Bena puts it, ‘Holy Triad’ is a “deeply personal cry for help, and a plea to the Most High for protection from the surrounding darkness” that captures the overwhelming realities of being an immigrant in London, and encapsulates for Bena, the journey from St. Ann to the UK, which brought with it a harsh culture shock, profound loneliness, and the weight of trying to survive in a city that often feels like it’s swallowing you whole.
Produced by burgeoning Saint Lucia beatsmith SnipeZ, and engineered by Hot Money (Stormzy, Central Cee, Stefflon Don), ‘Holy Triad’ is driven by a resonant dancehall-trap soundscape that provides the perfect backdrop for Bad Bena to pour out her soul on the track. Bena’s lyrics capture the pain of losing loved ones, the isolation of being far from home, and the relentless fight for a better future – not just for herself, but for her family back in Jamaica. “This song is a soul-wrenching cry from the depths of despair," Bena explains. "When it feels like I’m utterly lost, with nothing left and no one to turn to, I turn to the Most High, the ‘Holy Triad’." The result is a track that resonates with anyone who has ever battled against the odds, clinging to hope and faith in the face of overwhelming adversity.
‘Holy Triad’ is accompanied by a visually compelling video directed by British Iranian filmmaker Bdot, known for his work for the likes of Giggs, Clavish, and Popcaan. Filmed in the heart of London, the video is a powerful visual metaphor for spiritual renewal and resilience, as it captures Bad Bena’s journey through the cold, unforgiving streets of the capital city, ultimately finding solace and strength within the walls of a church. Reflecting on how the video depicts her own journey from despair to empowerment, Bena describes the video as offering a “story of faith, growth, and transformation”. Serving as a foundation in Bad Bena’s musical story, ‘Holy Triad’ is an anthem of faith, resilience, and survival that speaks to the heart of anyone who has ever faced the darkness and fought to find the light.
BAD BENA’s journey from the vibrant parish of St. Ann, Jamaica – the birthplace of Bob Marley – to the heart of London’s music scene is a story of resilience, determination, and unwavering passion. Born to a Puerto Rican Jamaican father and a Jamaican mother, Bena’s rich cultural heritage is as diverse as the music she creates. Before she was known as Bad Bena, she was hustling at the renowned Sandals resort in Jamaica, saving every penny with dreams of making it in fashion and music. But when her hard-earned savings were stolen just before her move to the UK in 2015, she arrived in London with little more than hope and determination. Facing the harsh realities of life as an immigrant, Bena spent two years couch surfing, learning the ropes of a new country with grit and perseverance.
Bena’s turning point came when she found work at Harlesden’s iconic Hawkeye Enterprises Ltd, a record store at the heart of London’s vibrant music scene. Immersed in this environment, she balanced her passion for music with full-time studies in fashion, while working tirelessly in bars and restaurants to keep her dreams alive. When the world came to a standstill during the Covid-19 pandemic, Bena saw it as an opportunity to pivot, rather than succumb to the challenges. She taught herself how to record vocals, and began sharing her captivating covers on Instagram, where her raw talent caught the attention of Dancehall legend Bounty Killer, who went on to feature her on his track ‘Going All In’.
With renewed momentum on the back of her first big break and cosign in music from Bounty Killer, and determined to carve out her own space in the music industry, Bena saved every tip from her waitressing job to fund recording sessions at London’s renowned Hot Money Studios, where UK rap heavyweights like Stefflon Don, Central Cee, and Stormzy have recorded. Her new single ‘Holy Triad’ is a powerful chronicle of her struggles, her faith, and the strength she found within herself. From the vibrant streets of St. Ann to the bustling heart of London, Bad Bena’s story is one of unyielding resilience and boundless potential, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey that’s just getting started.