Nigerian singer BNXN has responded to claims by American rapper Fat Joe that he influenced the artist’s decision to change his stage name from Buju.
Fat Joe made the remarks on the Joe and Jada Podcast, where he appeared alongside Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton. During the discussion, he described BNXN as “a fake guy using the name Buju” and alleged that he confronted the Nigerian singer publicly, prompting him to adopt a new name.
He further claimed that he told the artist there was “only one Buju Banton,” adding that BNXN later returned to Africa and rebranded. Buju Banton appeared to support the position, noting that he had identified a potential conflict when the Nigerian singer adopted the name and that steps were taken to address it.
The comments sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians criticising Fat Joe’s remarks as inaccurate and dismissive of African artists.
In response, BNXN took to X (formerly Twitter), accusing the rapper of spreading misinformation about African music and its artistes. He also emphasised the importance of mutual respect, stating that he remains committed to maintaining his sense of humanity despite moments of anger.
BNXN officially changed his stage name in 2022, citing copyright concerns over similarities with Buju Banton’s name. He has consistently maintained that the decision was not influenced by Fat Joe, despite the rapper’s earlier comments during an appearance on The Wendy Williams Show referencing the “other Buju.”
The controversy has also reignited debate over the origins of Afrobeats, after Fat Joe claimed during the podcast that the genre originated from Jamaica—an assertion widely disputed by fans and industry stakeholders, who point to its roots in West Africa.
Fat Joe Claims He Forced BNXN to Drop ‘Buju’ Name
