American rapper Fat Joe has recounted how he publicly challenged Nigerian Afrobeats singer BNXN, who previously performed under the name Buju, leading to the artist’s decision to adopt a new stage name.
During a recent episode of the Joe and Jada podcast alongside Jamaican dancehall legend Buju Banton, Fat Joe referred to BNXN as the “fake guy” who had been using the name Buju.
He stated that his pointed criticism, delivered on national television, contributed directly to the name change.BNXN officially announced the transition from Buju to BNXN (stylised as Benson) in 2022.
Although the artist did not publicly disclose the specific reason at the time, the similarity to Buju Banton’s established brand created notable confusion in online searches and public recognition.
Fat Joe emphasised that there could only be one authentic Buju Banton, highlighting the importance of artistic originality and respect for established names within the music industry.The discussion on the podcast has reignited conversations about name appropriation, intellectual property in entertainment, and the influence of high-profile artists on emerging talents.
BNXN has since built a successful career under his new identity, while Buju Banton continues to enjoy iconic status in dancehall. The exchange underscores the occasional intersections between global music scenes and the sensitivities surrounding artistic branding.
