Born Daniel Benson, BNXN—previously known as Buju—is a Nigerian Afrobeats musician recognized for his innovative style and strong influence in the African music industry.
His name, BNXN, which is pronounced “Benson,” was chosen as a distinctive stage name after he transitioned from his earlier alias, Buju (an abbreviation for “Beauty Underneath Just Understood”).
Known for famous tracks like “Outside,” “Lenu,” featuring Burna Boy, and “Feeling” with Ladipoe, BNXN has earned a loyal fan base and a prestigious spot in Afrobeats. Here’s a deep dive into his background, musical journey, and accomplishments.
Buju (BNXN) Biography
| Full Name | Daniel Benson |
| Stage Name | BujuToYourEars (shortened to Buju) |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Birthplace | Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria |
| Height | 167 cm (5’6″) |
| Weight | 60 kg (132 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, pianist |
| Instruments | Vocals, piano |
| Genre | Afropop, Pop, Afrobeats |
| Years Active | 2018 – present |
| Albums | Sorry I’m Late, 24Hrs in Lagos City |
| Awards | City People Music Award for Revelation of the Year |
| @bujutoyourears |
Early Life and Background
Daniel Benson, aka BNXN (born on May 14, 1997, 29 years old) in Lagos, Nigeria. He is of Akwa Ibom descent and spent his formative years in Gbagada, Lagos, before moving to Ogun State.
BNXN was deeply affected by the loss of his mother to cancer at a young age, which motivated him to pursue his ambitions with dedication. He attended Emerald Ridge High School and later continued his education in Nigeria, where his love for music blossomed.
Musical Beginnings and Influences
BNXN’s musical journey began in secondary school, where he initially adopted the stage name “Drizzle” before evolving to Buju and then BNXN. Influenced by artists like Buju Banton, Damian Marley, and Nigerian icons Burna Boy and J Hus, he initially focused on rap.
He later joined his church choir, which helped refine his vocal abilities and performance skills. During his university days, he began experimenting with songwriting and freestyling, performing at events and growing a small fanbase.
Career Milestones and Rise to Fame
BNXN reignited his musical journey in 2017 despite being preoccupied with an IT job he didn’t enjoy. Music became an outlet for him, and he regularly visited performance spaces, honing his unique sound and style. In February 2018, he independently released his first single, Catch a Vibe, followed by A Day in Lagos, which caught the attention of SoundCloud and Twitter audiences.
His big break came when he engaged his fans to tag famous Nigerian rapper Zlatan Ibile on social media, leading to a viral collaboration that brought BNXN significant exposure. In 2020, after Burna Boy noticed his talent, BNXN signed with Spaceship Records, Burna Boy’s label, and released the remix of L’enu featuring Burna Boy, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Notable Buju songs and Releases
Since his rise to fame, BNXN has collaborated with top artists in the industry, including Ladipoe in Feeling, Wizkid in Mood, and Amaarae and Blaqbonez in other collaborations. Some of BNXN’s most popular songs include:
- Outside
- Lenu (featuring Burna Boy)
- Feeling (with Ladipoe)
- Mood (featured by Wizkid)
- Confident (featuring Zlatan)
Each track showcases BNXN’s signature blend of Afrobeats, reggae, and dancehall influences, setting him apart in the global music landscape.
Awards and Recognition
BNXN’s unique style and musical achievements have earned him critical acclaim. He won Rookie of the Year at the 2020 City People Entertainment Awards and was nominated for Revelation of the Year at the Headies 2020.
His career-defining moment came in 2022 when he won the prestigious Next Rated Award at the 15th Headies, taking home a 2022 Bentley. This award, one of the most competitive categories, cemented his status as one of Nigeria’s most promising talents.
Musical Style and Impact on Afrobeats
BNXN’s sound draws heavily on Afro-fusion, mixing reggae and dancehall with Afrobeats, which has helped bring a fresh dimension to Nigerian music. His lyrical storytelling and unique vocal quality resonate with listeners and have influenced many emerging artists in Nigeria.
Net Worth and Earnings
Bnxn fka Buju is a Nigerian Afro-fusion singer, songwriter, and record producer with a net worth of 400,000, accrued from streaming royalties, live performances, endorsement deals, and collaborations. Reports indicate he charges between $5,000 and $7,000 per performance. With his ever-growing popularity and continued partnerships with industry leaders, his net worth is expected to increase substantially.
Personal Life, Social Media Presence, and Fan Engagement
BNXN currently resides in a luxury apartment in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. Known for his active engagement on social media, BNXN frequently interacts with his fans and shares updates on his career and life, fostering a solid and loyal fan base. You can connect with BNXN through his social media platforms:
- Instagram: @bujutoyourears
FAQs
What is BNXN’s real name?
His real name is Daniel Benson.
How much does BNXN charge for a feature?
BNXN charges between $5,000 – $7,000 for a live show or track feature.
