Kunuku

Kunuku’s musical journey is a rich tapestry of diverse cultures, sounds, and life experiences. Born in the Netherlands to a Dutch father and Chinese mother, and raised on the island of Bonaire in the Caribbean, Kunuku was immersed in Latin music and rhythms from an early age. Now based in Lisbon, he draws inspiration from afrobeat, hip hop, jazz, pop, and R&B, blending these genres to create music that speaks to the heart.

His name, Kunuku, carries a deep connection to his roots. On Bonaire, ‘kunuku’ refers to a piece of land far from society, a place where nature runs wild and free. This sense of freedom and exploration is echoed in his music, which effortlessly crosses cultural and musical boundaries.

Kunuku’s main instrument is the bass, but his multi-instrumental talents allow him to move fluidly between different sonic worlds. He has performed live with acts such as GOSTO, Rilan & The Bombardiers, ATKD, and FATA BOOM, while also lending his production skills to artists like Benjamin Fro, Maddy Moreah, Yana Liza, Noa Lauryn, and JO BISSA. In 2024 alone, he released collaborations like Tired with Mosaiq, Void with Tyler Faraday, Peito Aberto with Swliaw, and his latest release Ekaitz, showcasing his ability to craft emotionally charged, groovy soundscapes.

Inspired by producers like Inflo (Little Simz, SAULT, Cleo Sol), Tom Excell (Nubiyan Twist, Onipa), and Blake Mills, Kunuku’s music is both deeply personal and universally relatable. His work is a translation of life’s emotions, channelling the shared experiences of his collaborators and his own journey. With a unique sound that merges his rich cultural heritage and the many places he’s called home, Kunuku is a true global artist with an extraordinary ability to connect with listeners on a soulful level.