BNXN, formerly known as Buju, is one of the Nigerian artists who helped give modern Afrobeats a softer, more melodic sound. Known for his distinctive voice, catchy melodies and emotionally driven songwriting, he has built a successful career through both solo projects and major collaborations.
His real name is Daniel Etiese Benson, and he was born on 14 May 1997 in Lagos, Nigeria. As of September 2026, BNXN is 29 years old. He is Nigerian, has family roots in Akwa Ibom State and spent much of his childhood in Gbagada, Lagos, before his family later moved to Ogun State.
BNXN became widely known while performing under the name Buju. Songs such as “Spiritual,” “L’enu,” “Outside,” “Feeling,” “Finesse” and “Kilometer” helped establish him as an important voice in Nigeria’s new generation of Afrobeats and Afro-fusion artists.
BNXN Profile at a Glance
| Full name | Daniel Etiese Benson |
|---|---|
| Stage name | BNXN |
| Former stage name | Buju |
| Date of birth | 14 May 1997 |
| Age | 29 years old |
| Place of birth | Lagos, Nigeria |
| State of origin | Akwa Ibom State |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter and record producer |
| Music genre | Afrobeats, Afro-fusion |
| Record label/brand | To Your Ears Entertainment |
| Years active | 2018–present |
Who Is BNXN?
BNXN is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer whose career developed from independent music releases into international Afrobeats success.
He is particularly recognised for his smooth vocal delivery and ability to combine Afropop melodies with elements of R&B, reggae, dancehall and other contemporary African sounds. His music often focuses on relationships, ambition, personal experiences and everyday emotions.
Music databases and streaming platforms identify BNXN as an Afro-fusion and Afrobeats artist. His official streaming catalogue includes projects such as Bad Since ’97, Sincerely, Benson, RnB and CAPTAIN.
One of the interesting parts of his story is that he did not become famous overnight. He spent years experimenting with music, writing songs and releasing material online before his career reached the mainstream.
BNXN Real Name
BNXN’s real name is Daniel Etiese Benson.
He was previously known professionally as Buju, a name that became strongly associated with his early career. However, he later adopted BNXN as his professional identity. The name is pronounced “Benson.”
The change helped distinguish the Nigerian artist from Jamaican dancehall musician Buju Banton and gave Benson a more unique identity in the international music industry.
Although many fans still refer to him as Buju, BNXN is now the name used across his major music platforms and releases.
How Old Is BNXN?
BNXN was born on 14 May 1997.
That means he turned 29 years old on 14 May 2026.
His relatively young age is notable because he has already built an extensive catalogue, worked with some of Africa’s biggest artists and received major industry recognition.
BNXN’s career became particularly prominent in the early 2020s, when his collaborations began reaching much larger audiences both in Nigeria and outside the country.
BNXN Family and Background
BNXN was born in Lagos and spent his early years in Gbagada, a Lagos neighbourhood where he developed many of the cultural and musical influences that later shaped his career.
His family has roots in Akwa Ibom State, although Lagos and Ogun State played important roles in his upbringing. His family eventually relocated from Lagos to Ogun State.
Music was also present in his home environment. In an interview with Teen Vogue, BNXN explained that his father had a broad music collection that included reggae, dancehall and Nigerian music. He also discussed listening to artists such as Bob Marley, Lucky Dube and Nigerian musicians while growing up.
As a young person, he became interested in performing and songwriting. His early exposure to different styles of music helped him develop the genre-blending approach that is now associated with his sound.
BNXN has generally kept much of his private family life away from the public spotlight. For that reason, information about individual family members should be treated carefully unless it comes directly from the artist or a credible interview.
BNXN Education
BNXN’s educational journey also forms an interesting part of his biography.
He attended school in Lagos before proceeding to Babcock University in Ogun State, where he studied Theatre Arts. Multiple biographical and interview-based sources identify Theatre Arts as his university course.
His time at university coincided with the period when his interest in music became more serious.
Rather than following a straightforward academic-to-professional career path, BNXN gradually found himself increasingly drawn toward songwriting and recording. His university years therefore became part of the transition between his education and his eventual career as a professional musician.
Some websites claim that BNXN completed a university degree, while others report that he left university before completing his studies. Because these accounts conflict, it is safer not to describe him as a university graduate without stronger primary evidence.
What is clear is that he attended Babcock University and studied Theatre Arts before his music career became his main focus.
When Did BNXN Start His Music Career?
BNXN’s professional music journey began in the late 2010s.
Before becoming a mainstream name, he experimented with songwriting, rapping and singing. During his school years, he was involved in music and choir activities, experiences that helped him become more comfortable with his voice and performance.
His first officially released song is widely identified as “Catch A Vibe,” released in 2018. He subsequently released “A Day in Lagos,” which helped him gain attention among Nigerian music listeners and online audiences.
At this stage, he was still working under the name Buju.
His breakthrough became much stronger in 2019 with “Spiritual,” featuring Zlatan. The song gave him greater visibility and helped establish his name within Nigeria’s growing Afrobeats scene.
BNXN’s Breakthrough With “L’enu”
Another important milestone came with “L’enu.”
The song attracted attention before BNXN’s career expanded through his connection with Burna Boy. Burna Boy featured on a remix of the record, bringing BNXN’s music to a significantly larger audience.
The collaboration was important because Burna Boy was already one of Africa’s most internationally recognised artists. BNXN’s association with him helped introduce his songwriting and vocal style to listeners who might not previously have known him.
BNXN later spent a period associated with Spaceship Records, Burna Boy’s label, before continuing his career independently through his own musical direction.
BNXN and the Rise of “Outside”
In 2021, BNXN’s profile grew rapidly.
His single “Outside” became one of the songs that strengthened his identity as a solo artist. Around the same period, he appeared on several major collaborations.
His contribution to LADIPOE’s “Feeling” was particularly successful. He also appeared on “Bling” by Blaqbonez featuring Amaarae and Wizkid’s “Mood.”
These collaborations demonstrated one of BNXN’s biggest strengths: he could fit naturally into different artists’ musical styles while maintaining a recognisable vocal identity.
His 2021 project Sorry I’m Late further established him as more than just a featured artist.
BNXN Songs and Biggest Hits
BNXN has released numerous songs as a lead artist and featured performer. Some of the most recognised BNXN songs include:
- Spiritual featuring Zlatan
- L’enu
- Outside
- Kilometer
- Finesse with Pheelz
- Feeling with LADIPOE
- Mood with Wizkid
- Bling with Blaqbonez and Amaarae
- Confident
- For Days
- Very Soon
- Gwagwalada
- Pidgin & English
- Oshimiri
- Back Outside
- Eja Meja featuring Asake
His catalogue continues to expand, with streaming platforms listing more recent releases alongside his older hits. Apple Music and Spotify currently list projects and singles from his earlier work through his 2025 and 2026 releases.
BNXN Albums and EPs
BNXN has developed his career through a mixture of singles, EPs and full-length projects.
Sorry I’m Late
Released in 2021, Sorry I’m Late was an important early project in BNXN’s solo career. It helped listeners understand his artistic direction beyond his popular collaborations.
Bad Since ’97
Released in 2022, Bad Since ’97 continued the momentum from his earlier work and reflected the artist’s growing confidence and popularity.
Sincerely, Benson
In 2023, BNXN released his debut studio album, Sincerely, Benson.
The project represented a major stage in his development because it allowed him to present a more complete picture of his songwriting and musical personality.
RnB
BNXN later collaborated with Ruger on the RnB project, further demonstrating his ability to combine his melodic approach with another major Nigerian artist’s style.
CAPTAIN
BNXN’s CAPTAIN arrived in 2025 and added another major chapter to his discography. Streaming platforms list the album alongside songs such as “Very Soon” and “Jies.”
BNXN Awards and Achievements
BNXN’s career has received recognition from several Nigerian and African music award organisations.
One of his most important achievements came at The Headies, where he won the Next Rated award in 2022. The award is significant because the category recognises an artist considered to have major potential for future growth.
He also won Best Rap Single for “Feeling,” his collaboration with LADIPOE.
Earlier in his career, BNXN received a Revelation of the Year award at the City People Entertainment Awards. He has also received nominations from organisations including AFRIMMA and The Headies.
His awards are only one measure of his influence. His streaming numbers, collaborations and continued presence on major African music projects also show how much his career has developed.
BNXN Net Worth
BNXN’s exact net worth has not been publicly verified.
This is important because numerous entertainment websites publish different figures for BNXN’s net worth, sometimes presenting estimates as though they were confirmed financial facts.
For example, some websites have previously published estimates of hundreds of thousands of dollars, while newer online sources have claimed figures around $2 million or even higher. These figures are not supported by publicly available audited financial statements from BNXN, his management or a recognised financial publication.
Therefore, it is more accurate to say that BNXN is a commercially successful Nigerian recording artist whose income can come from music streaming, songwriting, performances, collaborations, royalties and other entertainment activities, but his exact personal net worth is private.
This approach is preferable to repeating an unsupported number as fact.
How Does BNXN Make Money?
Like many established recording artists, BNXN can earn income from several areas of the music business.
Music Streaming
Songs released through platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music and other digital services can generate royalties based on streams and applicable rights agreements.
Live Performances
Concerts, festivals, private events and international performances can provide another important source of income for successful musicians.
Songwriting and Royalties
As a songwriter and recording artist, BNXN can potentially earn royalties from music he writes, performs or contributes to.
Collaborations
BNXN has worked with major artists across Afrobeats and African popular music. These collaborations have expanded his audience and can contribute to his commercial opportunities.
Brand and Entertainment Opportunities
Established musicians may also generate income through endorsements, partnerships, appearances and other commercial arrangements.
Because private contracts and earnings are not normally disclosed, it is impossible to calculate BNXN’s exact annual income from these sources.
Why Is BNXN So Popular?
BNXN’s popularity can be linked to several factors.
First, he has a distinctive voice. His vocal delivery can sound relaxed and emotional without losing the rhythmic qualities needed for Afrobeats.
Second, he is a strong collaborator. His appearances on songs by artists such as Wizkid, LADIPOE, Blaqbonez, Pheelz and others have allowed him to reach different audiences.
Third, his songwriting often focuses on subjects that listeners can easily understand, including love, relationships, personal ambition and everyday experiences.
Finally, BNXN has continued to evolve. Instead of depending entirely on the sound that first made him popular, he has explored different musical influences and expanded his catalogue.
BNXN’s Musical Style
BNXN is commonly described as an Afro-fusion artist, although his music crosses several boundaries.
His sound can incorporate Afrobeats, Afropop, R&B, reggae, dancehall and contemporary African pop. His childhood exposure to reggae and dancehall, combined with Nigerian musical influences, helped create the foundation for his distinctive style.
This versatility is one reason he has been able to work successfully with artists from different parts of the African music industry.
Frequently Asked Questions About BNXN
What is BNXN’s real name?
BNXN’s real name is Daniel Etiese Benson.
How old is BNXN in 2026?
BNXN is 29 years old in 2026. He was born on 14 May 1997.
Is BNXN the same person as Buju?
Yes. BNXN is the Nigerian singer who was formerly known professionally as Buju.
Why did Buju change his name to BNXN?
He adopted BNXN as his professional identity to establish a more distinctive name and avoid confusion with Jamaican dancehall artist Buju Banton.
Where is BNXN from?
BNXN was born in Lagos and grew up in Gbagada before his family moved to Ogun State. His family roots are in Akwa Ibom State.
What did BNXN study in university?
BNXN attended Babcock University and studied Theatre Arts, according to multiple biographical sources.
What was BNXN’s first song?
“Catch A Vibe,” released in 2018, is widely identified as one of BNXN’s first official releases.
Which song made BNXN famous?
“Spiritual,” featuring Zlatan, was a major early breakthrough. His later work on “L’enu,” “Outside,” “Feeling,” “Mood” and “Finesse” significantly expanded his popularity.
What are BNXN’s biggest songs?
Some of his best-known songs include “Finesse,” “Outside,” “Spiritual,” “L’enu,” “Feeling,” “Mood,” “Kilometer” and “Very Soon.”
What is BNXN’s net worth?
There is no independently verified public figure for BNXN’s exact net worth. Online estimates vary considerably and should be treated as estimates rather than confirmed financial information.