BNXN Talks Afrobeats Evolution, Burna Boy’s Impact, and His Vision for CAPTAIN in New Grammy Interview
In a recent interview with the Grammys, BNXN (formerly Buju) opened up about the future of Afrobeats and Afro-fusion, his artistic ambitions, and the creative inspiration behind his upcoming album CAPTAIN.
On the Evolution and Future of Afrobeats
BNXN is clear-eyed about the global rise of Afrobeats – and he’s proud of the artists who’ve carried the sound far and wide:
“Afrobeats has been doing super amazing, man. A lot of people have been carrying it so well over the years – shout out to Burna, Rema, Tems, ASAKE.”
But he also wants to remind fans that there’s more to the sound. Pointing to artists like Tems, BNXN highlighted how the genre is expanding:
“Tems is really a great export from Nigeria, mainly because she’s found a way to be like a bridge and fuse R&B with a bit of Nigerian beats. Take a song like Love Me JeJe, right? That was a proper fusion.”
For BNXN, the goal is not just to keep pace, but to push boundaries, spotlighting the rich possibilities within Afro-fusion.
On His Career Ambitions
When asked about his personal goals, BNXN revealed a quiet but fierce confidence:
“Musically, I want to stand out as one of the best artists out of Africa. I feel like I am one of the best… I just don’t know how to blow that trumpet. I’m just going with the flow.”
It’s a classic BNXN response – humble, grounded, but brimming with intent.
On Burna Boy, Hip-Hop, and the Sound of CAPTAIN
BNXN also touched on how hip-hop has shaped him, especially as he worked on CAPTAIN. Reflecting on Nigeria’s earlier rap scene and how Burna Boy has reimagined that energy, he shared:
“Hip-hop is definitely something that we can’t deny. It used to be very core in Nigeria… I love Burna Boy so much. I’ve been a student of his work… Songs like City Boy came with so much energy. It gave me this feeling like, damn, I want to try this for myself.”
That influence is clearly woven into CAPTAIN, which BNXN says is rooted in a deep sense of identity and leadership.
On the Concept Behind CAPTAIN
The album’s title didn’t just come from thin air – it’s rooted in his real-life nickname, which eventually took on deeper meaning:
“Captain was a name my friends used to call me… but I saw a deeper meaning into it. I see myself as this pirate, this captain on a ship. I was watching Pirates of the Caribbean the entire summer. I see myself as this person of importance in this ocean of the industry — and in Nigeria.”
CAPTAIN Is Coming
As BNXN steps fully into his moment, CAPTAIN promises to be more than an album – it’s a declaration of self, sound, and status. A fusion of Afrobeats roots, hip-hop influence, and raw vision, this might just be BNXN’s most defining work yet.
Read More: Vibe Check: 10 Afrobeats Songs You Shouldn’t Miss This Week
