Nigerian singer BNXN has publicly criticised American rapper Fat Joe following controversial remarks about the origins of Afrobeats.
The backlash began after Fat Joe, speaking on a recent podcast, claimed that Afrobeats has its roots in Jamaica. He also suggested that BNXN was compelled to change his former stage name, Buju, because of Jamaican dancehall star Buju Banton.
The comments quickly drew reactions online, with many disputing the claims and defending the genre’s African heritage.
Responding via his X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, BNXN urged the U.S. rapper to better inform himself about African music and its global influence.
In a strongly worded post, the singer criticised what he described as misinformation and took aim at Fat Joe’s stance, suggesting it reflected a lack of understanding of the genre.
BNXN’s response has since generated significant engagement on social media, with fans and industry observers weighing in on the debate over Afrobeats’ origins and its growing international recognition.
Afrobeats, widely regarded as a modern African sound with roots in West African musical traditions, has continued to gain prominence on the global stage, making discussions about its history and evolution increasingly prominent.
