Benson (BNXN): All you should know regarding Buju TYE’s new performance moniker
Nigerian gifted vocalist Daniel Benson, previously recognized as Buju TYE, has been gaining attention on social media networks in Nigeria following his proclamation of a name change.
Buju, who is seen as a quickly ascending afro-fusion artist, shared the news through his official Twitter account a few hours ago, revealing that his new identity would be BNXN, pronounced as ‘Benson,’ his birth name.
There are signs that the name alteration arose from Buju TYE being confused with another Jamaican artist known as Buju Banton.
BNXN, who was formerly addressed as Buju, will be the fourth Nigerian artist to alter their name. Other Nigerian musicians who have rebranded include 2Baba, previously known as 2Face, Kizz Daniel, who was once called Kiss Daniel, and Cruel Santino, formerly Santi.
Each of these musicians has a rationale for their transformation; for instance, Kizz Daniel had to abandon his previous stage name due to complications with his prior record label, G-Worldwide entertainment.
In Buju TYE’s case, the shift to BNXN likely stems from the artist’s intention to position himself for the global audience.
A quick inquiry of the name Buju in Nigeria on Google will yield results for Buju TYE; however, this may not be the case when searching for the name Buju outside Nigeria, considering how Google’s algorithm operates, particularly concerning the query’s location.
It is probable that the name Buju Banton, a Jamaican artist, would surface instead for the name Buju outside of Nigeria.
A brief exploration of Buju Banton indicated that his actual name is Mark Anthony Myrie, and he is a Jamaican reggae dancehall recording artist, esteemed as one of the most influential and celebrated musicians in Jamaican music.
Further investigation showed that Buju Banton has been performing professionally from 1987 until 2011, after which he took a hiatus from the music scene only to return in 2018 and continues to be relevant to this day.
The following are some songs released by Buju Banton;
- 1992: Stamina Daddy (later reissued as Quick)
- 1992: Mr. Mention
- 1993: Voice of Jamaica
- 1995: ‘Til Shiloh
- 1997: Inna Heights
- 2000: Unchained Spirit
- 2003: Friends for Life
- 2006: Too Bad
- 2009: Rasta Got Soul
- 2010: Before the Dawn
- 2020: Upside Down 2020
Buju Banton is highly esteemed and holds a Grammy Award, which he received in 2010.
Nonetheless, despite his astounding gift, Buju Banton has been involved in certain controversies, which could inadvertently impact any other artist who chooses a similar name on the global stage.
Reports illustrated that Buju Banton was apprehended on drug-related allegations in the United States in 2009, and his initial trial ended with a hung jury.
Buju Banton was, however, found guilty of the cited criminal charge in 2011 and was incarcerated in the U.S. until December 2018, when he was released and deported to Jamaica.
Buju TYE, now BNXN, is a Nigerian sensation and has collaborated with artists such as Wizkid, The Cavemen, Timaya, Patoranking, Zlatan, Burna Boy, among others, boasting numerous hit tracks under his belt.
There are indications that figures like Wizkid and Burna Boy might contemplate a name change in the future, given that their stage names were selected when they were still young.
