INFORMATION
Artist Birtday : | 14/05/1997(Age 28) |
Born In : | Akwa Ibom |
Occupation(s) : | Musician |
Genres : | Afro beats, R&B |
Web Site : | www.bujubanton.com |
Daniel Benson, popularly known by his stage name Buju and now rebranded as BNXN (pronounced Benson), is one of Nigeria’s most soulful and lyrically gifted Afro-fusion artists. Born on May 14, 1997, Buju is a native of Awka Ibom State in Nigeria but was raised in Gbagada and later Ogun State, giving him a wide cultural experience of both urban and semi-urban Nigeria. His sound—characterised by fluid melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and Afro-fusion rhythms—has made him a key figure among the new wave of artists reshaping Nigerian music for the global stage.
From his earliest days, Buju’s love for music was evident. Growing up in a musically diverse environment, he was influenced by a variety of genres, from reggae to Afrobeat and contemporary R&B. He began writing music in secondary school and would later hone his skills in university, where he juggled his academic life with his passion for songwriting and freestyling.
Interestingly, Buju’s stage name is not only catchy but also deeply meaningful. Initially adopting the name “Buju” in honour of Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton, he eventually rebranded to BNXN in 2022, partly to avoid copyright issues and also to reflect a more personal identity—his surname “Benson.” His fans, however, have continued to associate both names with the same soulful artistry and relatable storytelling that first brought him to their attention.
Early Life and Education
Buju spent a significant part of his childhood in Mowe, Ogun State, where he experienced both the joys and challenges of a typical Nigerian upbringing. Raised by a working-class mother, Buju was exposed early to the importance of resilience, creativity, and hard work. His mother, who passed away while he was still a teenager, remains a major source of inspiration in his music. He often references her and the struggles he faced growing up as themes in his lyrics.
He attended school in Lagos and later Ogun State, where he also pursued his university education. It was during this period that Buju began taking music more seriously, writing his own songs and sharing freestyles on social media platforms. His decision to focus on music came from a growing belief in the power of art to uplift, heal, and connect with people on a personal level. He began using the power of the internet, particularly Twitter, to push his sound, a move that would eventually lead to a breakout moment.
Breakthrough and Career Development
Buju’s big break came in 2019 when his song “Spiritual” caught the attention of Nigerian rapper Zlatan Ibile, who featured on the remix. The collaboration helped launch Buju into mainstream consciousness, introducing his sound to a wider audience. His laid-back delivery and philosophical lyrics stood out in an industry dominated by fast-paced party jams.
Later that year, Buju was signed to Spaceship Records, the label owned by Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Burna Boy. Under the label, he released several hit singles, including “Lenu (Remix)” featuring Burna Boy himself. The remix became a fan favourite, showcasing Buju’s ability to collaborate with top-tier artists while maintaining his originality.
His growing popularity saw him work with a diverse range of artists, including LadiPoe on the chart-topping “Feeling”, Timaya on “Cold Outside”, and Wizkid on “Mood.” These collaborations not only expanded his audience but also demonstrated his adaptability across different sounds—Afrobeats, reggae, R&B, and highlife-infused melodies.
By 2022, Buju made the bold decision to rebrand as BNXN, announcing the change via his social media platforms and explaining that the name better reflected his evolution as an artist. That same year, he won the Headies Award for Next Rated Artist, a highly coveted recognition that cemented his status as one of Nigeria’s most promising young stars. As part of the prize, he also received a brand new Bentley—a milestone moment in his career.
After receiving the Headies award for Next Rated Artist in 2022, Buju’s career momentum surged forward with even greater force. The win was more than just a trophy—it was a public endorsement of his talent, artistry, and growing influence in the Nigerian music scene. This recognition also marked a turning point, as more fans across Africa and in diaspora regions began to tune in to his unique sound.
What sets BNXN apart from many of his contemporaries is his deep lyrical content. While most modern Afrobeat hits focus on party vibes and luxury lifestyle, BNXN tends to delve into themes of life, struggle, ambition, personal growth, and emotional experiences. Songs like “Outside,” released in 2021, reflect on his journey through hardship and perseverance. With lines that speak of moving from the bottom to gradually rising in life, the track struck a chord with thousands of young Nigerians facing similar realities.
Musically, BNXN belongs to the generation that blends genres effortlessly. His sound cannot be boxed into one category. His ability to sing fluently in Pidgin English and blend it with a fluid Afro-fusion rhythm makes his songs highly relatable to both street and elite audiences. This balance is what allows him to collaborate with both traditional Afrobeat artists and more experimental musicians.
One of his most successful features came in his collaboration with rapper Ladipoe on the hit song “Feeling.” Released in 2021, the song became an anthem for youth across Nigeria and beyond, capturing the desire to stay motivated even when life feels hard. The song topped charts for several weeks and further solidified BNXN’s place as a voice of emotional depth in Nigerian music.
Another notable project in his discography is the extended play project titled “Sorry I’m Late,” released in 2021. The EP was both a statement and an apology to fans who had long awaited a body of work from him. It featured tracks that explored various themes, from love and loss to ambition and self-reflection. With seven tracks, the EP did not only meet expectations but surpassed them, receiving critical acclaim and cementing BNXN’s versatility as a songwriter and performer.
In 2022, BNXN collaborated with British-Nigerian rapper Dave and Nigerian sensation Blaqbonez, showing his growing international relevance. He also worked with UK-based Nigerian singer Jae5, proving that his appeal was not just continental but also international. These collaborations have exposed him to a broader audience and introduced his sound to listeners outside Africa.
While BNXN is widely appreciated for his talent, he is also admired for his authenticity. His presence on social media is consistent but not flashy. He engages with his fans regularly, often reposting covers of his songs or thanking supporters in a humble tone. This humility has become a part of his brand, allowing fans to feel connected to him not just as an artist but as a human being who is navigating life’s challenges in a familiar way.
His hometown roots in Akwa Ibom, although less frequently highlighted in mainstream narratives, remain an important part of his identity. Despite growing up in Lagos and Ogun State, BNXN has occasionally referenced his southern Nigerian origin, adding to his diverse appeal. His music, while grounded in Yoruba-dominant Lagos, still carries echoes of Nigeria’s multi-ethnic background, and this makes him accessible to fans from across different tribes and regions.
In terms of fashion and personal style, BNXN has maintained a laid-back, confident presence. Unlike many of his peers who chase flamboyance, he prefers a more relaxed and relatable look, often donning simple T-shirts, native wear, or jackets. This style further mirrors his music—thoughtful, easy-going, and grounded.
One important aspect of BNXN’s journey is his ability to learn and adapt. When he decided to change his name from Buju to BNXN, it was not a move driven by external pressure alone. It reflected growth. In several interviews, he mentioned that he wanted to carry his fans along into the next chapter of his musical journey. It was a personal evolution, symbolising maturity and a redefined vision. As BNXN, he believes he can explore more sounds, connect with global artists, and still remain true to his Nigerian roots.
His ability to sing and write songs in ways that reflect real-life emotions, experiences, and dreams is what gives him longevity. He is not a seasonal hitmaker; he is building a catalogue. Fans appreciate that his lyrics are often about real people and real stories. This level of emotional transparency in his music has made him one of the most trusted voices of his generation.
As he continues to rise in the African music scene, BNXN has hinted at future projects that include a full studio album, more international collaborations, and possibly touring. He has already performed at several notable concerts and festivals, both in Nigeria and abroad, including shows in the UK, Ghana, and South Africa. His stage performances are praised for being soulful and charged with energy, especially because he often delivers his songs live with minimal backing vocals, proving that his talent is not dependent on studio effects.
Aside from his musical output, BNXN has also shown interest in mentoring young artists. In some of his social media comments, he’s expressed hope that the industry will allow room for genuine, talented newcomers, just as he was given a chance. He believes in the power of collaboration over competition and often thanks those who opened doors for him.
As of now, BNXN remains one of the most promising and respected Afro-fusion artists not only in Nigeria but across Africa. With several awards, chart-topping singles, successful EPs, and a growing global fanbase, the future looks bright for this once quiet boy from Mowe.