BNXN hits back at Fat Joe over name change remarks

BNXN Fat Joe name change dispute escalates as Nigerian singer rejects claims about dropping “Buju” and accuses rapper of misinformation

Nigerian singer BNXN has strongly criticised American rapper Fat Joe over claims that industry pressure led to his decision to drop the stage name “Buju”.

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Fat Joe, speaking during a recent podcast discussion involving reggae icon Buju Banton, suggested that confusion around the name and concerns tied to Buju Banton contributed to the Nigerian artist’s rebranding.

The American rapper claimed that pressure from figures within the global music scene played a role in the transition, implying that the name “Buju” was controversial and potentially disrespectful.

Responding on X, BNXN issued a fierce rebuttal, rejecting the claims and accusing Fat Joe of spreading misinformation about African music and its artists.

“The hate in your heart and your misinformation about African music and its artists is why your chromosomes are all messed up. Educate yourself,” BNXN wrote.

The exchange marks a sharp escalation in what has become a cross-continental dispute over artistic identity and narrative control.

BNXN, who rose to prominence under the name Buju before rebranding, has previously explained that the decision was driven by strategic branding considerations as his career expanded internationally.

The artist has maintained that the name change was part of a deliberate evolution rather than the result of external pressure, underscoring his desire to define his own image within the global music industry.

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The controversy has sparked wider conversation online, with fans and commentators weighing in on issues of cultural identity, ownership of names, and the influence of Western industry figures on African artists.

Mariam Balogun