Buni Muni brings a confidence to her live performance that makes it hard to turn away. This past March, when I first saw her perform, she strutted, spun, and rolled around the stage in a revealing disco dress like she didn’t have a care in the world beyond having a good time. From the sound of it, you might think she performs frequently to crowded music halls, but you’ll be pleased to find her performing at the local bar or roller rink in Huntington, West Virginia. 

In an impressive contrast to the traditional music of the Mountain State, which features folksy string instruments and odes to West Virginia’s rolling landscape, Buni Muni pays tribute to her home state through a mix of rap, glitter, seductive chorus lines and synth beats. Moreover, she brings a delightful humor to her work, referring to herself as “PopStar Bill Murray” in her Twitter bio. 

In the chorus of her song “West Virginia Girl,” Buni’s dreamy repetition of the words “West Virginia Girl” is interspersed with lines of rap. “Mountain State, yeah, we do it best.” She proceeds to talk-sing about how she doesn’t aspire for Grammy-level stardom, but rather for the type of local fame that will lead to having a sandwich named after her.

Her song “tonight ill be in hun” is a proclamation of her love for Huntington. Similarly, her work with the Huntington News Network (HNN), under the name Erika Lawson, demonstrates her commitment to her community. HNN provides free, local news to the people of Huntington and those interested in the area’s happenings. 

Though I personally have been an Ohio girl for the past 24 years, I can’t help looking at the work she’s doing and thinking, being a West Virginia girl seems pretty cool. Maybe I'll hang out here more often.

If you’re interested in following Buni Muni’s journey, check out her website and follow her on Spotify or wherever you listen to music. 

Also check out Exclaim Records, the independent record label that is carving out a vibrant music subculture for up-and-coming West Virginia artists, including the aforementioned popstar.