Afrobeats

BNXN’s Rebrand Back In The Spotlight As Fat Joe Claims He Enhanced His Name Change

today24 April 2026 2

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The growth of an artist often comes with changes, and for Nigerian star BNXN, his name change has recently become a major talking point. The conversation started when American rapper Fat Joe claimed, during a discussion with Buju Banton, that he played a role in making the singer drop the name “Buju.” According to him, the change happened because of pressure from the American side to respect the Jamaican legend, suggesting BNXN had no choice but to comply.

However, BNXN did not directly respond to that specific claim. Instead, he made it clear that respect should go both ways, stating that he also deserves recognition for his own work and impact. He also thanked his fans and the Nigerian music community for standing by him and defending his right to make his own decisions about his career.

In reality, BNXN changed his name from “Buju” to “BNXN” in 2022 for more practical reasons. He explained at the time that he wanted a unique identity that wouldn’t be confused with Buju Banton. The new name, pronounced “Benson,” is taken from his real name, Daniel Benson. It also helped him stand out better on streaming platforms, where his music was often mixed up with that of the Jamaican artist.

This situation shows a bigger issue between older Western music figures and the new generation of African artists. While Fat Joe’s comments suggest a more traditional, controlling view of the industry, many see BNXN’s decision as a personal and strategic move. The strong support he received also shows how much things have changed. African artists are now more confident in defining their own identity without needing approval from international figures.

Written by: Rachael Obilor

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