The Real Reason BNXN Dropped Buju Name, According to Fat Joe
Nigerian singer BNXN did not change his stage name in isolation. Behind that move, according to Fat Joe, was pressure from industry figures who believed the name “Buju” crossed a line.
Speaking on a podcast alongside Buju Banton, the rapper said they took issue with the name because of its strong link to the Jamaican star.
He claimed they openly called it out on television and pushed the Nigerian artiste to rethink it.
That push, he suggested, forced a change.
There is a fake guy in Africa using the Buju name, we dissed him on tv, shut him down, he changed his name. I told him there is only one Buju Banton.
BNXN later rebranded, stepping away from “Buju” and adopting a new identity as his career grew.
During the same conversation, Buju Banton explained why the name carries deep meaning.
He said his mother gave him “Buju,” and he later added “Banton” in tribute to Jamaican DJ Burr Banton.
Most people [artistes] get their names from their friends or coin it. But my name came from my mom. Then I added Banton due to my admiration for Burr Banton.
His explanation highlights why the name remains closely guarded.
