American rapper Fat Joe has claimed he played a role in Nigerian singer BNXN dropping the name “Buju,” citing a clash with Jamaican star Buju Banton, according to a report by Daily Post on April 22, 2026.
According to Daily Post report, Fat Joe said he and others pressured the Nigerian artiste, formerly known as Buju, to change his stage name due to identity conflict with reggae legend Buju Banton.
Speaking in a recent interview, the American rapper insisted there could only be one globally recognised “Buju,” referencing the Jamaican icon.
“There’s only one Buju…,” Fat Joe said, stressing the need for clarity in the global music space.
The comment has revived conversations around BNXN’s 2022 rebranding, which saw him officially drop “Buju” and adopt a new identity.
BNXN, born Daniel Benson, had earlier built a strong fan base under the former name before switching, a move many initially believed was personal branding.
On social platforms, clips of Fat Joe’s remarks have resurfaced, with fans debating whether the pressure was justified or unnecessary.
The controversy dates back to earlier comments where Fat Joe publicly acknowledged only Buju Banton as the original bearer of the name, sparking backlash in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, BNXN has since established his brand successfully, releasing multiple hit songs under his new identity.
The renewed claim adds a new layer to Buju’s rebranding story, raising questions about influence, ownership, and identity in global music. As conversations continue, attention remains on how African artists navigate international recognition.
Top 10 Reactions
@wizkidfc1 (Daily Post): “They pressured him? That’s crazy 😳”
@afrobeatsplug (Instagram): “BNXN still won at the end of the day 🔥”
@truthspeaker (Daily Post): “Respect to Buju Banton, legend status 👏”
@naijafans (Facebook): “No foreign artist should dictate Nigerian branding”
@musichead (Daily Post): “Makes sense for global recognition though”
@realgist (Instagram): “Fat Joe overstepped here 💀”
@soundcityfan (Facebook): “BNXN name actually sounds better now”
@streetvoice (Daily Post): “Pressure or not, change helped his career”
@globalbeats (Instagram): “This is about trademark and identity, not hate”
@naijatrendz (Facebook): “Africans need to own their space, period”
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BNXN, Buju, Fat Joe, Buju Banton, Nigerian music, Afrobeats, celebrity news
