The Amsterdam-rooted musician is on a spiritual quest…
Bnnyhunna is a product of his environment. An artist whose work is a coalition of his past, he takes jazz-adjacent elasticity and uses it in a soulful way, touching on club energies in the process. Real name Benjamin Ankomah, the Ghanaian born artist grew up in the South East part of Amsterdam, absorbing the port city’s myriad of cultures and languages first-hand.
Emerging from the continental jazz scene, he worked extensively as a session musician, linking up alongside the likes of Jose James, Rimon, Gaidaa and Hare Squead.
Working on his own voice, Bnnyhunna uses music as a vessel to truly pin-point his thoughts. Raised in the church, a broader spirituality has come to inhabit his work, something that comes to the fore on new album ‘Echoes Of Prayer’.
Out on October 11th, it veers from neo-soul to jazz via highlife, a kind of audio autobiography that unfurls at its own pace.
CLASH caught up with Bnnyhunna to chat about his influences, the necessity of freedom, and the role faith plays in his artistic practice.
You grew up in Amsterdam, a hugely diverse and culturally thriving city. What impact did those surroundings have on you?
Growing up in Amsterdam, a city known for its diversity and vibrant culture, would foster an openness to different perspectives. The rich music scene, blending genres from all over the world, would inspire my creativity and experimentation. Amsterdam’s inclusive atmosphere would also encourage freedom of expression and a strong connection to art and innovation.
You’ve collaborated widely, working with a number of different people – what makes a good collaboration?
A good collaboration happens when there’s a natural creative alignment, where ideas flow effortlessly without having to overthink the direction. It’s about having a shared vision and trust, allowing each person to bring their strengths while remaining open to each other’s ideas. When you’re in sync like that, the process feels organic, and the music takes shape naturally.
You’re now focussing on your solo output – what changed? What makes this the right time to place yourself, and your experiences, in the spotlight?
Focusing on my solo work has given me the freedom to fully express myself without boundaries, allowing me to capture my complete vision as an artist. It’s not just about the music—I’m also exploring other disciplines like poetry, film, and different forms of art. This is the right time because I feel ready to share my personal experiences and ideas more authentically, putting my voice and creativity at the forefront.
We loved your recent single ‘Communicate’, which saw you work with The Cavemen and Jembaa Groove. Tell us about that song – how did it come into being?
‘Communicate’ came together during an incredible studio session with The Cavemen, where we ended up creating three or four songs in just an hour. The energy was so magical and pure, and that session became the foundation for the track. Afterward, I took the song home to refine it and brought in Jembaa Groove to help finish the writing. They absolutely killed it, bringing their own vibe and energy, which completed the song beautifully.
‘Echoes Of Prayer’ is a profound title for your debut album – what does that term mean to you? What role does faith play in your life?
I chose the title ‘Echoes Of Prayer’ for my debut album because I felt there’s a lack of music that truly represents an artist’s faith. Being a deeply prayerful person, I found myself weaving prayers into the concept of each song. Faith plays a significant role in my life, and this album reflects that connection. I’m proud of how it turned out, as it captures my spirituality and beliefs in a way that feels authentic to me.
What’s your favourite song on the album?
‘Sum Love’.
You came up through jazz – would you still term your music as such? How would you describe bnnyhunna to someone new to your output?
As a breath of fresh wind.
What did creating this album teach you – about yourself, about music – that your prior projects did not?
Creating this album taught me to trust my gut as an artist and embrace the freedom to tell my story without limitations. It showed me that there are no boundaries in expressing myself musically, and that following my intuition leads to the most authentic and powerful work.
You recently popped up at the SD Weekly jam – are you attracted to London’s music scene? Which facets speak to you?
I love London’s music scene—it reminds me of Amsterdam but with a different intensity, especially in terms of how serious the industry is. I visit London regularly to collaborate and work on projects, and the SD Weekly jam was an incredible experience. The energy there was amazing, and it’s a place where creativity really thrives, which is something that keeps drawing me back.
What’s next for bnnyhunna?
What’s next for me is getting out there, playing shows, and connecting with people through live performances. I want to ensure the album resonates deeply and leaves an unforgettable mark on the musical landscape. This is a time for me to fully immerse myself in sharing the music and the message behind ‘Echoes Of Prayer’ with the world.
‘Echoes of Prayer’ will be released on October 11th.
Words: Robin Murray
Photography: Ines Vansteenkiste Muylle