BNXN: Nigerian Singer and Songwriter formerly known as Buju

BNXN 

BNXN, formerly known as Buju, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter celebrated for his smooth vocals, emotive songwriting, and seamless blend of Afrobeats, dancehall, and R and B. His real name is Daniel Benson, and he was born on May 14, 1997, in Lagos State, Nigeria. He grew up in a culturally vibrant environment that shaped his love for music from an early age.

Raised in Gbagada, Lagos, BNXN developed a passion for music as a teenager. He was inspired by Nigerian and international artists, particularly those known for melody and strong lyrical delivery. While many of his peers leaned into rap, BNXN gravitated toward singing, experimenting with melodies and emotional storytelling.

BNXN studied Theatre Arts at Babcock University. His academic background helped him understand performance, expression, and stage presence, which later became key strengths in his music career. During his university years, he continued recording music and sharing covers online, gradually building confidence in his sound.

His major breakthrough came in 2018 when he released “Spiritual,” a song that caught the attention of Jamaican dancehall star Popcaan. Popcaan shared the track on social media, giving BNXN international visibility. The recognition helped him gain momentum within Nigeria’s competitive music scene.

In 2019, BNXN released his debut EP, which further established him as a promising new voice in Afrobeats. However, his career reached a new height in 2021 when he featured on the hit single “Feeling” by Ladipoe. The song became a chart topping success in Nigeria and beyond, earning massive airplay and streaming numbers. His melodic hook on “Feeling” showcased his ability to elevate a song with soulful emotion.

Over time, BNXN became known for his signature blend of vulnerability and confidence. His lyrics often explore love, struggle, ambition, and personal growth. His sound is characterized by smooth harmonies, heartfelt delivery, and subtle influences from reggae and dancehall.

In 2022, he officially changed his stage name from Buju to BNXN to avoid confusion with the British rapper Buju Banton. The rebrand marked a new chapter in his career, symbolizing growth and maturity as an artist. That same year, he released projects that demonstrated his artistic evolution and consistency.

BNXN has collaborated with several top artists across Africa and internationally, including Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Dave. His feature on Wizkid’s album More Love Less Ego further solidified his position among Nigeria’s leading contemporary voices. These collaborations expanded his reach and highlighted his versatility.

In 2023, he released his debut studio album Sincerely Benson, a deeply personal project that reflected on his journey, challenges, and triumphs. The album received positive reviews for its emotional honesty and refined sound. It showed a more introspective side of BNXN, strengthening his reputation as a thoughtful songwriter.

Throughout his career, BNXN has received nominations and awards recognizing his contributions to the Afrobeats genre. He has performed at major events and festivals, steadily building an international fan base.

Known for his confident yet reflective personality, BNXN often speaks openly about perseverance and self belief. His journey from a young music enthusiast in Lagos to an internationally recognized artist is a story of determination and talent.

BNXN stands as one of the most exciting voices in modern Nigerian music. His ability to merge emotional storytelling with mainstream appeal continues to earn him respect in the industry. With each new release, he strengthens his place in Afrobeats history while inspiring a new generation of artists to pursue their dreams with courage and authenticity.