BNXN (Daniel Benson) has crafted a compelling path from Lagos youth to Afro-fusion sensation. With a clear artistic identity, genre-blurring sound, and international acclaim, he’s building toward “legendary status” just as he declared early on.
As he prepares follow-up projects and continues touring, BNXN’s musical intelligence, entrepreneurial ownership, and commitment to authenticity point to a lasting legacy in global music.
This narrative explores his background, personal life, career path, artistic evolution, relationships, and net worth; all woven into an insightful.
BNXN, Buju Biography
Daniel Etiese Benson known professionally as BNXN, Buju (born on May 14, 1997) is a remarkable figure in contemporary Nigerian music. He was born and raised in Gbagada, Lagos partly in neighboring Ogun State, his artistic journey reflects a powerful transformation from initial anonymity to international acclaim.
Early Life, Personal Identity & Upbringing
BNXN, Buju was born into a Christian family originally from Akwa Ibom State, with roots in both Akwa Ibom and Yoruba heritage; his mother and father representing these cultural ties. As a child growing up in Lagos, he absorbed the vibrant music culture of the city and later the quieter environment of Ogun State.
His formative years were shaped by listening to 2Baba, D’Banj, 9ice and later reggae great Buju Banton;whose influence later inspired his first stage name, Buju.
He attended Emerald High School in Lagos before studying Theatre Arts at Babcock University in Ogun State, initially pursuing IT internships. However, music called louder: after losing his internship while listening to Buju Banton, Daniel resolved to follow his passion seriously.
From Drizzle to Buju: Music Beginnings & Breakthrough
Early in his music journey, Daniel used the moniker Drizzle, performing in school choirs and local freestyles. His shift to the name Buju (an acronym for “Beauty Underneath Just Understood”) coincided with viral tracks like Catch a Vibe and Wahala in 2018. But his definitive breakthrough came in 2019 with “Spiritual” featuring Zlatan Ibile, which became a viral hit after fans and Zlatan himself promoted it widely. That same year, he caught the attention of Burna Boy who remixed his song “L’enu,” ultimately securing a deal with Burna Boy’s Spaceship Records in April 2020.
Sprawling Career: EPs, Albums & Evolution
During his time with Spaceship Records, BNXN, Buju developed his craft and grew his brand. In October 2021, he released his debut EP, Sorry I’m Late, under his own imprint To Your Ears Entertainment (T.Y.E.). The project featured producers like Steph, Rexxie and The Cavemen, and was followed by a successful UK tour launch and a sold-out concert in Lagos. In February 2022, he strategically rebranded to BNXN (pronounced Benson) to distinguish himself from Jamaican legend Buju Banton.
August 26, 2022, saw the release of his critically acclaimed EP Bad Since ’97, featuring top Nigerian artists such as Wizkid, Olamide, and Wande Coal. Well-received tracks included “Kenkele” and global chart entry singles like “Finesse” with Pheelz. The latter peaked at #52 on the UK Official Singles Chart and earned widespread recognition.
Collaborations & Cultural Reach
BNXN, Buju has actively collaborated with a constellation of Afro-pop artists: Wizkid (“Mood”), Ladipoe (“Feeling”), Pheelz (“Finesse”), and UK-based productions like “Propeller” with Dave and Jae5; his first UK Top-40 hit. His joint EP with Ruger, RnB, released on April 18, 2024, symbolized creative reconciliation after a fan-driven feud recorded in just three days.
October 5, 2023, marked the release of his debut studio album Sincerely, Benson, featuring fifteen tracks and collaborations with Kizz Daniel, Seyi Vibez, 2Baba, Popcaan, and Headie One. The album peaked at #11 on Billboard World Albums, signaling his growing international presence.
Continuing momentum saw his second studio album, CAPTAIN, released in July 2025. BNXN, Buju has also stayed prolific with mixtapes, singles like “Cutesy” (2025), and high-profile live performances across Lagos, London, and beyond.
Awards & Recognition
BNXN, Buju’s talent has earned him numerous awards: Rookie of the Year at the 2020 City People Entertainment Awards; Headies Next Rated Award in 2022 (earning a Bentley Bentayga); Soundcity MVP 2023 for Best Collaboration (“Finesse”). His works have also earned nominations at AFRIMMA, AFRIMA, BET, YouTube, and MTV Africa.
Personal Life, Relationships & Identity
Despite fame, BNXN, Buju remains private about romantic relationships. He is unmarried and chooses to focus on his career. Sources note rumors about relationships, but none confirmed.
He has also experienced personal loss-most notably his mother’s passing from cancer; his family life keeps largely out of the public eye. His close friendship and professional rapport with Burna Boy remains central; their bond led to major collaborations and mentorship.
Net Worth & Lifestyle
Estimates of BNXN, Buju’s net worth vary but most credible sources place him between $400,000 and $2 million. His assets include a Mercedes-Benz C300 and a Bentley Bentayga (thanks to his Headies win), a luxury apartment in Lekki, and a growing real estate presence in Lagos, London, and LA.
His earnings flow from streaming (800 million+ Spotify streams), brand collaborations, live concerts, and control of his label, T.Y.E, with distribution by Empire Records.
Artistic Voice & Cultural Influence
What stands out about BNXN, Buju is his ability to weave Afro-fusion, R&B, neo-soul, and dancehall into a cohesive style; all enriched with lyrics in English, Yoruba, and Ibibio. His vocal versatility allows him to touch on themes of ambition, romance, self-discovery, and existential reflection, resonating deeply across generational lines. Teen Vogue described his music as “vibey,” “intentional,” and rooted in sincerity as he pursues “legendary” status.
Legacy & What Lies Ahead
At just 28, BNXN, Buju has already achieved what many seasoned artists dream of: international chart success, award recognition, and control of his music through his label. With over 1,000 words chronicling his journey.
His story is one of determination: from Gbagada beginnings to global stages; from Drizzle to Buju to BNXN; from losing a job to founding a record label; and from viral singles to chart-topping albums. As he rolls out CAPTAIN and continues collaboration and touring, BNXN, Buju’s ascent in Afro-fusion can only grow. His authenticity, creative independence, and international ambitions promise to secure his place in music history.
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