BNXN has fired back at American rapper Fat Joe after the latter claimed that his comments forced the Nigerian star to change his stage name from Buju to BNXN. The Nigerian singer accused Fat Joe of harboring hate in his heart towards African music and artists.
Fat Joe's Podcast Comments Spark Outrage
During a recent episode of Fat Joe's 'Joe and Jada' Podcast, Jamaican Reggae and Dancehall superstar Buju Banton was the guest. Fat Joe recounted how he "dissed" BNXN on television and "forced" him to change his name. The video clip quickly circulated online, drawing reactions from Nigerian observers who took issue with the condescending and disrespectful tone Fat Joe used while describing how he "shut down" a "fake guy in Africa" trying to "steal Buju Banton's name."
BNXN's Response on Social Media
In a post on his X page, BNXN reacted to Fat Joe's comments by taking a swipe at the rapper. He wrote, "The hate in your heart and your misinformation about African music and its artists is why your chromosomes are all f**ked up. Educate yourself, bozo." The singer's response highlighted his frustration with what he perceives as a lack of respect for African artists.
Joeboy Also Weighs In
BNXN was not the only Nigerian musician to react to Fat Joe's claims. Singer Joeboy described the statement as "dirty yarns" and mocked Fat Joe's attempt to talk down on African artists. Joeboy's comments added to the growing criticism of the American rapper's remarks.
Background on BNXN's Name Change
In 2022, the Nigerian singer, born Daniel Benson, switched his stage name from Buju to BNXN due to copyright issues stemming from a clash with Jamaican star Buju Banton's name. The change had nothing to do with Fat Joe's tirade while guest-hosting The Wendy Williams Show, where he called out the "other Buju." Fat Joe has previously claimed that he forced BNXN to adopt a new name after calling him out on television.
Controversy Over Afrobeats Origins
During Buju Banton's appearance on the podcast, Fat Joe also claimed that Nigerian pop music, widely known as Afrobeats, originated from Jamaica. This assertion has drawn criticism from Nigerians who refute the claim about Afrobeats' origins. Buju Banton's endorsement of Fat Joe's statement has landed the Reggae icon in yet another controversy surrounding Nigerian pop music.
Previous Controversies Involving Buju Banton
In 2024, Banton faced heavy criticism after claiming that "Afrobeats talks about nothing," juxtaposing the genre with Afrobeat, a blend of Highlife, Folk, and Jazz created by Fela Kuti to pass conscious messages documenting the sociopolitical landscape of that era. Banton's statement, made during an appearance on the Drinking Champs podcast, was part of his tirade against Afrobeats artists who he claimed have not shown Dancehall enough respect despite borrowing from the genre.
The ongoing exchange highlights tensions between African and Jamaican music figures over the recognition and origins of Afrobeats, a genre that has gained global prominence in recent years.
