Maye and Trunkie find magic in the glow of “Abena” - Interview
In a summer already heavy with anthems vying for dancefloor dominance, “Abena”, the collaborative single from rising Afrobeats artist Maye and London’s genre-bending Trunkie, stands out not for its volume but for its effortless grace. It’s a smooth, sun-soaked track that feels like a shared secret between friends—the kind of song you stumble upon during a twilight drive and immediately add to every playlist you have.
At its core, “Abena” is a celebration of cultural connection and the magnetic pull of summer love, but what elevates it is the way it seamlessly weaves together two distinct artistic voices. Maye, with his Nigerian roots and unmistakable Afrobeats cadence, brings warmth and rhythmic sway, while Trunkie, ever the sonic chameleon from North West London, threads in elements of romantic pop and modern Afro-fusion, adding texture and shape to the track’s breezy pulse.
The collaboration is a first for the pair, but you wouldn’t know it from the natural chemistry on display here. In my recent conversation with Trunkie, he spoke candidly about the making of “Abena”, and it became clear this wasn’t some label-contrived pairing but an organic creative connection forged over mutual respect and a shared vision. The logistics, too, were a story in themselves—cross-continental Zoom calls, late-night file transfers, and a production process that leaned on trust and instinct rather than proximity.
There’s a clarity to “Abena” that’s rare in modern pop hybrids. The production, while lush and inviting, never crowds the vocals. The percussion carries a gentle, rolling bounce, while shimmering guitar licks and airy synth pads give the track a sense of weightlessness. Maye’s voice, honeyed and precise, delivers verses that feel both intimate and universally evocative. Trunkie, for his part, leans into his own melodic instincts, wrapping the chorus in an easy, addictive hook that feels tailor-made for midnight rooftops and open-window car rides.
What’s particularly striking is the thoughtfulness embedded in the track’s title. “Abena,” a name traditionally given to girls born on Tuesday in Ghana’s Akan culture, isn’t just a nod to cultural specificity—it’s a testament to both artists’ commitment to crafting songs that carry meaning beyond their melodies. That layer of subtle symbolism deepens the listening experience without ever feeling heavy-handed.
During our interview, talk of future collaborations came up more than once. If “Abena” is any indication of what’s to come, listeners should be paying close attention to wherever this creative partnership heads next.
In a year where genre lines continue to blur, and cross-cultural collaborations have become increasingly commonplace, “Abena” distinguishes itself through its sincerity and restraint. It’s a song that doesn’t shout to be heard but quietly commands your attention—and keeps it. Maye and Trunkie may have crafted one of the season’s most quietly brilliant tracks, one that lingers long after the final notes fade.
Go ahead and check out the song, but also make sure to check out each artist’s respective discography and to follow along for more!
Maye
Trunkie
Like what you read? Follow our social media and playlist for the latest in independent music:
