Fat Joe sparks chaos after claiming he forced BNXN (Buju) to change his name: Afrobeats star fires back in explosive response
Fat Joe vs BNXN: Name change controversy explodes
A growing entertainment controversy has erupted after American rap veteran Fat Joe claimed he played a role in Nigerian singer BNXN (formerly Buju) changing his stage name, reigniting debates around identity, Afrobeats recognition, and misinformation in global music culture.
The comments, made during a recent appearance on the Joe and Jada podcast alongside reggae legend Buju Banton, have triggered widespread reactions across social media platforms.
Fat Joe’s Claim: “I Dissed Him Into Changing His Name”
During the podcast conversation, Fat Joe alleged that he publicly called out the Nigerian artist during his time on The Wendy Williams Show, referring to BNXN as a “fake Buju.”
According to him, the backlash led to the singer eventually changing his stage name from Buju to BNXN in 2022.
Fat Joe said:
“There was a guy in Africa using the Buju name. I dissed him on TV… I told him there is only one Buju Banton. After that, he changed his name.”
His statement quickly spread online, sparking debates over whether his claim was factual or exaggerated.
BNXN Responds: “Respect Me and I Will Respect You”
BNXN, one of Nigeria’s fast-rising Afrobeats stars, did not remain silent. He initially fired back in a now-deleted tweet where he criticised Fat Joe’s comments and accused him of spreading misinformation about African music.
The tweet, which went viral before deletion, included strong language directed at the American rapper.
However, BNXN later followed up with a calmer and more reflective message:
“Even in my moments of rage, I never want to lose my sense of humanity. Respect me and I will respect you.”
He also appreciated fans who supported him during the online exchange, emphasising mutual respect within the global music community.
READ ALSO
BNXN: My comment on ‘spitting on police officer’s face’ taken out of context
Why BNXN Changed His Name from Buju
BNXN’s name change in 2022 had already been a subject of speculation. While no official reason was given at the time, many fans linked it to possible confusion with Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton, as search engines and streaming platforms often mixed both names.
The rebrand to BNXN (pronounced Benson) helped the Nigerian artist establish a clearer identity in the global Afrobeats space.
Afrobeats Identity Debate Rekindled
Fat Joe’s comments also revived a long-running debate about the origins and global perception of Afrobeats. In the same podcast appearance, he controversially suggested that Afrobeats may have roots in Jamaica rather than Africa, a claim widely disputed by music historians and African artists.
The discussion highlights ongoing tensions in how African music is represented in international media.
Online Reactions: Fans Split Over Claims
Social media reactions have been divided:
- Some users supported BNXN, calling Fat Joe’s comments misleading.
- Others viewed the situation as a misunderstanding amplified by media narratives.
- Many fans praised BNXN’s calm follow-up statement as “mature and professional.”
The incident has since become a trending topic in both Afrobeats and hip-hop communities worldwide.
What This Means for BNXN’s Career
Despite the controversy, industry analysts say the incident is unlikely to affect BNXN’s growing international profile. Instead, it may even increase visibility around his brand as he continues to push into global markets.
His evolution from “Buju” to BNXN remains one of the notable rebranding moves in modern Afrobeats history.
FAQ: Fat Joe, BNXN & Buju Name Controversy
Why did BNXN change his name from Buju?
BNXN changed his name in 2022 to avoid confusion with Jamaican artist Buju Banton and to create a unique identity in Afrobeats.
Did Fat Joe really force BNXN to change his name?
There is no verified evidence. Fat Joe claims he influenced it, but BNXN has not confirmed this.
What did BNXN say about Fat Joe’s comments?
BNXN criticized the remarks as misinformation but later called for mutual respect and calm.
Who is Buju Banton?
Buju Banton is a legendary Jamaican reggae and dancehall musician whose name is often associated with the naming confusion.
What did Fat Joe say about Afrobeats?
Fat Joe claimed Afrobeats may have originated from Jamaica, a statement widely debated and criticized by fans and artists.
What is BNXN’s current name?
He now goes by BNXN (pronounced Benson), a rebrand he adopted in 2022.
Why is this controversy trending?
The mix of celebrity claims, Afrobeats identity debates, and viral social media reactions made it a trending entertainment story.
Is BNXN responding further?
As of now, BNXN has not released a detailed official statement beyond his social media posts.
Does this affect Afrobeats reputation?
Experts say no, Afrobeats continues to grow globally despite online debates and misinformation.