BNXN Confesses Burna Boy Inspired Him In New Album ‘Sincerely Benson’

[BNXN/Batta Box] 

Written by Pharis Kinyua

In the dynamic world of Nigerian music, where creativity knows no bounds, one artist has emerged with a debut album that not only captivates the soul but also tells a deeply personal story of love, loss, and transformation. BNXN, formerly known as Buju, took the music scene by storm when he dropped his much-anticipated album 'Sincerely, Benson' on October 5, 2023.

In a revealing interview with Apple Music Africa Now Radio, he shared the inspiration behind his album, the mentorship of Burna Boy, and the emotional journey that fueled his music.

For BNXN, the name of his album holds significant meaning, and it was none other than Nigerian Grammy-winning superstar Burna Boy who played a pivotal role in shaping that choice. During the interview with Nandy Madiba, BNXN recounted a conversation he had with Burna Boy shortly after he changed his name from Buju to BNXN.

"I went out with Burna Boy. We were talking - this is around the period where I’d just changed the name - and he’s like ‘yo, now you need to personalise that name, you need to make an emphasis on that name. This name? That has to be your album name. It has to be part of your album itself, you need to sell it with you.’"

The advice from Burna Boy struck a chord with BNXN, who saw the wisdom in personalizing his new identity. He was inspired to incorporate 'Benson' into his album title, ensuring that listeners would not only hear his music but also connect it with his newfound persona.

But the inspiration for 'Sincerely, Benson' goes beyond just a name. BNXN poured his heart and soul into this debut LP, drawing from a place of personal experience. He revealed that the album was born out of a heartbreak he endured, a situation where he had to grapple with his own role in the relationship's demise.

"True story: I was in love when I was in this project. I was so heartbroken when I made this project because I had just left a relationship. I know that I was the one that really caused it, [that] made that happen, but it’s like… how do you really tell someone you’re sorry if you can’t own up to it and accept it? That was one of the themes that inspired the project."

'Sincerely, Benson' is a musical journey that delves deep into the complexities of love and the human experience. BNXN's raw and heartfelt lyrics resonate with listeners who have faced similar emotional challenges. The album is a fusion of emotions, with tracks like 'GWAGWALADA,' 'Mukulu,' and 'Right Energy' offering a sonic escape for those who need to dance away their pain.

As he embarks on his North America tour, BNXN is set to bring his music to an even broader audience. The songs from 'Sincerely, Benson' will be performed live, allowing fans to experience the album's emotions and energy firsthand.

With Burna Boy's mentorship and personal growth as his foundation, BNXN, the artist formerly known as Buju, has created an album that not only showcases his musical talent but also his evolution as a person. 'Sincerely, Benson' is not just an album; it's a testament to the power of music to heal, inspire, and transform. BNXN's journey has just begun, and the world is eagerly listening to his story, one heartfelt note at a time.