Nigerian music star BNXN has taken a firm stand against American rapper Fat Joe following controversial remarks regarding the roots of Afrobeats. The tension began after Fat Joe made several claims during a recent podcast, asserting that the globally recognized genre actually originated in Jamaica rather than Africa.
In addition to his comments on the genre’s history, the American rapper suggested that BNXN’s decision to change his stage name from Buju was a forced move intended to show respect to the legendary Jamaican artist Buju Banton. These statements quickly drew the ire of fans and industry stakeholders who viewed the claims as a dismissal of the rich cultural heritage behind the Nigerian sound.
Responding to the viral clip on Thursday via his X page, BNXN did not hold back in his criticism. He urged Fat Joe to properly educate himself on the history of African music before speaking on it so confidently. The singer also took several personal shots at the rapper, suggesting that his perceived bias against African artists was rooted in misinformation.
BNXN’s blunt response highlight’s a growing pushback from Nigerian artists against international narratives that seek to dilute the origins of their craft. He labeled the rapper’s takes as completely inaccurate and encouraged him to seek better information rather than spreading falsehoods about the industry. The exchange has since sparked a massive conversation online about the importance of respecting the cultural ownership of Afrobeats as it continues its dominant run on the global stage.
