Nigerian singer BNXN, born Daniel Benson, has responded to comments made by American rapper Fat Joe, who claimed he influenced the artist’s decision to change his stage name from Buju.
Speaking on the Joe and Jada Podcast alongside Jamaican reggae and dancehall icon Buju Banton, Fat Joe described BNXN as a “fake guy using the name Buju”.
He further alleged that he confronted the Nigerian singer on television, claiming he publicly criticised him and compelled him to adopt a new name.
According to the rapper, he told BNXN that “there is only one Buju Banton,” adding that the singer returned to Africa and subsequently rebranded.
Buju Banton appeared to support the sentiment, stating that he recognised the potential conflict when the Nigerian artiste introduced himself as Buju, and that steps had to be taken to “regulate” the situation.
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The video clip quickly went viral, sparking reactions from Nigerians who criticised Fat Joe’s remarks as condescending and disrespectful. Many also disputed his account.
“There’s a Fake guy in Africa using the Buju name, dissed him on tv, shut him down, he changed his name. I told him there’s only 1 Buju Banton”
Fat Joe speaks with Buju Banton, calling out Buju BNXN & how they had to step in to make him change his name. pic.twitter.com/iGNPxGPDxa
— HYPETRIBE (@hypetribeng) April 22, 2026
In response, BNXN took to his X (formerly Twitter) page, accusing the rapper of spreading misinformation about African music and its artists.
“The hate in your heart and your misinformation about African music and its artists is why your chromosomes are all f***** up. Educate yourself,” he wrote.
In follow-up posts, BNXN added that despite moments of anger, he strives to remain respectful and humane.
Even in my moments of rage , I never want to lose my sense of humanity.
Respect me and I will respect you.
— Benson (@BNXN) April 23, 2026
“Even in my moments of rage, I never want to lose my sense of humanity. Respect me and I will respect you.
“All my genuine love and respect to everyone who gave a voice or a reaction in support. I love and appreciate each and every one of you,” he added.
The 28-year-old artiste officially changed his stage name to BNXN in 2022, citing copyright concerns due to its similarity to Buju Banton’s name.
He has consistently maintained that the decision was unrelated to Fat Joe’s remarks during a previous appearance on The Wendy Williams Show, where the rapper referenced the “other Buju”.
During the same podcast, Fat Joe also claimed that Afrobeats originated from Jamaica, a statement that has drawn widespread criticism, with many Nigerians defending the genre’s roots in West Africa.
Buju Banton’s endorsement of the claim has further fuelled the controversy, placing the reggae star at the centre of ongoing debates over the origins of Afrobeats.