Sometimes you have to laugh. Especially when it’s something as insignificant in the scheme of things as perfume. Yes, we all take it seriously, but we’re crazy. Rodrigo Flores-Roux and the folks at 27 87 don’t seem to take themselves too seriously. Take, for example, their 2025 offering, Hakuna Matata, which features an uncommon banana note as its lead.
At Esxence last year, 27 87 promoted banana as the next big thing in perfumery. Indeed, their tagline: “Bananas are taking the stage. The time for vanilla is over”! was either wildly optimistic or somewhat tongue-in-cheek. Regardless of their intentions, the perfume made me chuckle in much the same way as L’Artisan’s Bana Banana from a couple of years ago.
The banana accord in Hakuna Matata starts off on a fun note, and in a similar vein to Bana Banana, resembling those candied bananas we used to eat as children. Once the perfume gets into gear, honeyed and indolic floral notes of jasmine and broom begin to gain greater influence. It’s quite a sweet combination of notes, but harmonious, as jasmine and broom both have fruity, banana-like facets. Despite the fruity sweetness, Hakuna Matata remains sheer enough on my skin that I could wear it in moderately warm weather.
As Hakuna Matata transitions into its base, the banana note fades more into the background. Towards its closing stages, Hakuna Matata becomes more traditional and perhaps more recognisably perfume-like with a honeyed, floral, ambery finish. But for at least 3-4 hours, Hakuna Matata retains the creamy, sugary quirks one might expect from a banana.
I enjoy the perfume more than I should, though I’m not sure I’d wear it often. Still, its sunny, yellow, optimistic disposition can’t help but put you in a good mood. And underneath its opening eccentricities lies a serious floral scent from a fabulous perfumer. Vanilla isn’t going anywhere soon, but kudos to the brand for trying to upset the apple cart with a banana scent. Opinions will be split, but Hakuna Matata gets a thumbs up from me.
Your opinion on banana fragrances. Have you sampled Hakuna Matata?
Note: Sample purchased by me. Bottle image from 27 87, but all other photos are my own.