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Nigerian singer BNXN has responded sharply to American rapper Fat Joe following controversial remarks he made regarding the origins of Afrobeats and the artist’s former stage name.
The dispute began after Fat Joe appeared on a podcast where he made claims suggesting that Afrobeats, the globally successful African music genre, did not originate from West Africa. Instead, he alleged that the sound has roots in Jamaica, a statement that immediately sparked backlash from fans and industry figures.
During the same discussion, the American rapper also referenced BNXN’s earlier stage name, Buju, claiming that the Nigerian artiste was forced to change it due to confusion with Jamaican dancehall veteran Buju Banton.
His comments quickly circulated on social media, with many users criticising the remarks as inaccurate and dismissive of the African music industry’s contribution to the global rise of Afrobeats.
Afrobeats, which has become one of the fastest-growing music genres worldwide, is widely traced back to West Africa, particularly Nigeria and Ghana, where pioneers of the sound laid its foundation through a fusion of traditional rhythms, hip-hop, highlife, and contemporary pop influences.
The genre has since evolved into a global phenomenon, producing international stars and collaborations with top artistes across the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean.
Reacting to Fat Joe’s statements, BNXN took to his X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday to express his frustration, strongly disputing the claims and calling out what he described as misinformation about African music.
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 @fatjoe.”
The singer’s response immediately sparked conversations online, with fans and industry observers weighing in on the ongoing debate about cultural ownership and the global perception of Afrobeats.
Many supporters of BNXN argued that the genre’s history and influence are well documented and should not be misrepresented, especially at a time when Afrobeats continues to dominate international charts and award platforms.
Others noted that such misunderstandings highlight the need for greater education about African music history, particularly as it gains more global attention and commercial success.
BNXN, whose real name is Daniel Benson, rose to prominence in Nigeria’s music scene with a unique blend of Afrobeats and alternative sounds. He initially adopted the stage name Buju before rebranding to BNXN, a move he explained was part of his artistic evolution.
Fat Joe, on the other hand, remains a veteran figure in American hip-hop, known for his influence in the rap industry over several decades. However, his recent comments have drawn criticism from African audiences who believe he misrepresented the origins of one of the world’s most influential contemporary music movements.
As of the time of this report, Fat Joe has not issued any further clarification or response to BNXN’s remarks, and the conversation continues to generate debate across social media platforms.
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#Afrobeats
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