Bnxn

Daniel Etiese Benson, born 14 May 1997, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He performs as Bnxn, pronounced "Benson," and was previously known as Buju. His music blends Afrobeats, R&B, and dancehall, and he has become one of the leading voices in the new wave of Afrobeats.

Bnxn first gained attention with his 2019 single "Lenu," and his career took off with the 2021 hit "Feeling," which topped charts in Nigeria. His debut EP, Sorry I'm Late, arrived in 2021, followed by the critically acclaimed album Bad Since '97 in 2022. Known for his smooth vocals and introspective lyrics, he has collaborated with artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Headie One.

In 2026, Bnxn released several singles, including "Back Outside" and "The Game Needs Us" with producer Sarz, and "Eja Meja" with Asake, his first collaboration with the fellow Afrobeats star. With a growing discography and a dedicated fan base, Bnxn continues to push the boundaries of Afrobeats, earning recognition both at home and internationally. [edit]

Daniel Etiese Benson was born on 14 May 1997 in Lagos State, Nigeria, though some sources list his birthplace as Akwa Ibom State. As a child, he sang in church and school choirs, which gave him his first taste of performing. His early musical exposure came from his father's gospel music career, which provided a foundation for his later work.

He began his professional music career in 2018. Before adopting the Bnxn moniker, he performed as Buju, a name inspired by the character Buju from the movie Life. His early work included collaborations with prominent Nigerian artists, and he first gained significant attention with his 2019 single "Lenu."

That track showcased his smooth vocals and introspective songwriting, setting the stage for his breakthrough. The transition from Buju to Bnxn marked a deliberate step in establishing his own identity, distancing himself from the Jamaican reggae artist Buju Banton and carving out a distinct space in the Afrobeats scene. [edit]

Bnxn's breakthrough came with the 2021 single "Feeling," which topped charts in Nigeria and became a defining hit of the year. He followed it with his debut EP, Sorry I'm Late, in 2021, and then his critically acclaimed debut album Bad Since '97 in 2022. The album established him as one of the leading voices in the new wave of Afrobeats, earning praise for its cohesive sound and introspective lyrics.

He has collaborated with major artists including Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Headie One, expanding his reach beyond Nigeria. In 2025, he released the singles "Very Soon" and "Your Type."

In 2026, Bnxn teamed up with producer Sarz for "Back Outside" and "The Game Needs Us," a project The Fader described as the artists "done playing it safe with Afrobeats." The latter sampled a melody from the blind couple Amadou & Mariam that Bnxn had carried in his head for three years. In late July 2026, he released "Eja Meja," his first-ever collaboration with Asake, accompanied by a sleek visualiser. As of August 2026, he continues to promote the single, with his Instagram bio reading "Captain ✈️ Go listen to Eja Meja." [edit]

Bnxn is known for his smooth vocals and introspective lyrics, blending Afrobeats, R&B, and dancehall. His music often explores themes of love, ambition, and self-reflection, resonating with a broad audience across Africa and the diaspora.

The Fader described his recent work with Sarz as experimental and boundary-pushing within the Afrobeats genre. He is often seen as a thoughtful artist who is not afraid to take creative risks. His Instagram presence, with around 2 million followers, showcases his music and personal style, and he uses the platform to engage with fans and promote new releases.

Fans appreciate his authenticity and his willingness to speak on industry issues, such as the financial gap between Afrobeats artists and their international counterparts. [edit]

Bnxn stands as the 63rd most famous person in Nigeria and the 42nd most famous person in Afrobeats, placing him firmly among the continent's cultural heavyweights according to the iFANN Global Fame Rankings. These positions have held steady through the latest assessment cycle, reflecting a consistent trajectory of global attention that tracks media coverage, search trends, and consumption signals worldwide. His influence extends beyond borders, resonating deeply across the diaspora while maintaining a dominant presence on home soil. While his fanbase is often referred to simply as followers or supporters on social platforms rather than by a specific moniker, their engagement drives his massive streaming numbers and viral moments. With over two million followers on Instagram and millions more tuning in via Spotify, the audience for Bnxn is vast and active. The community has rallied behind projects like *The Game Needs Us* and celebrated hits such as "Finesse," which found its way into the FIFA 23 soundtrack. Though there are no documented records of organized fan campaigns, charity drives, or distinct rituals unique to this group, the sheer volume of streams and the enthusiastic response to new releases demonstrate a loyal following that keeps his music at the forefront of contemporary African pop culture.[edit]

Bnxn's stage name is a phonetic spelling of his surname, Benson, replacing his previous alias Buju, a nod to the character in the movie *Life*, to avoid confusion with Jamaican reggae artist Buju Banton. He credits his father, gospel musician Benson Idonije, for laying his musical foundation. The singer has also highlighted the financial disparity between NBA stars and Nigerian Afrobeats artists, noting the significant earnings gap. In an interview with The Native Magazine, he revealed the grueling schedule behind his album *Captain*, working late nights and early mornings to achieve a sound he hadn't attempted before, describing himself as still hungry for success a year later. Recent years have seen major milestones, including the release of the collaborative EP *The Game Needs Us* with producer Sarz, which was highly anticipated after teasers sparked widespread conversation across Nigerian media. This project followed his single "Eja Meja" with Asake, marking their first official collaboration and further cementing his status in the industry.[edit]

Bnxn is the son of renowned gospel musician Benson Idonije, whose career deeply influenced his musical upbringing. His father's work in gospel music provided a foundation for Bnxn's own artistic path. Details about his mother and siblings are not publicly documented.

As of 2026, Bnxn has not publicly shared information about a spouse, partner, or children. He keeps his personal life largely private, focusing public attention on his music and career. [edit]

Bnxn has collaborated with several prominent artists and producers. His frequent collaborator Sarz produced "Back Outside" and "The Game Needs Us" in 2026. He released "Eja Meja" with Asake, marking their first joint single. He has also worked with Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Headie One. [edit]

Bnxn keeps his romantic life private, and there is no publicly confirmed information about his dating history or current relationship status. As of 2026, he appears to be single, focusing on his music career. [edit]

As of 2026, iFANN currently estimates Bnxn's net worth at $6 Million. This figure reflects a steady upward trajectory driven by his prolific output and growing popularity. His income streams are diversified, primarily generated through music sales, streaming royalties, and lucrative live performances. The critical and commercial success of albums like *Bad Since '97* has contributed significantly to these earnings, alongside high-profile collaborations with industry giants. Recent releases, specifically "The Game Needs Us" with Sarz and "Eja Meja" with Asake, have likely surged his streaming revenue and secured more concert bookings. While exact financial figures remain private, his consistent artistic delivery and expanding market reach suggest a robust financial standing.[edit]

Bnxn has received recognition for his music, though specific award wins are not widely documented. His album Bad Since '97 was critically acclaimed, and his single "Feeling" topped charts in Nigeria, earning him a dedicated fan base. [edit]