Buju

Daniel Etiese Benson (born May 14, 1997), widely known by his stage name BNXN (pronounced Benson) and formerly as Buju (an acronym for "Beauty Underneath Just Understood"), is a Nigerian Afro-fusion singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is recognized as a prominent figure in the contemporary Afrobeats and Afro-fusion music scene, blending elements of R&B, Afrobeats, and pop.Early Life and Education BNXN was born Daniel Etiese Benson in Lagos, Nigeria, and hails from Akwa Ibom State. He grew up in the Gbagada area of Lagos with his family before relocating to Ogun State. His interest in music was fostered early in life; he was exposed to Afropop, crediting Nigerian music artists like 2Baba as an early influence. He later began his musical journey as both a rapper and a choir singer. Burna Boy is cited as a major inspiration for him becoming a musical artist.Career Progression and Notable Works BNXN began his professional career in the Nigerian music industry under the moniker Buju. He gained initial traction with his single "Energy" in 2018. His career received a significant boost following a feature on Ladipoe's 2021 hit single, "Feeling," which became one of the biggest songs of the year in Nigeria. He also featured on "Bling" by Blaqbonez alongside Amaarae in 2021. Following his rise, he officially changed his stage name from Buju to BNXN. His notable works include the 2021 single "Outside" and collaborations such as "Finesse" (2022). His versatility across different genres cemented his status as one of the most exciting young artists in the West African music space.Major Achievements BNXN has received significant recognition for his work, securing several major awards and nominations. In 2022, he won the coveted Next Rated award at The Headies 2022 ceremony. The same year, he won Best Rap Single at The Headies for his collaboration on "Feeling." In 2023, he won Best Collaboration for "Finesse" at the Soundcity MVP Awards. He was also nominated for Rookie of the Year at The Headies 2020. Additionally, he was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2022 for his contribution to Wizkid's album, *Made in Lagos Deluxe Edition*, in the Best Global Music Album category.Current Status BNXN continues to actively release music and perform globally, solidifying his position as a leading voice in the Afrobeats genre. He operates primarily out of Lagos, Nigeria, maintaining a strong social media presence under his new professional name.