Nigerian music star BNXN, has shared fresh insights into his creative process, the evolution of Afrobeats, and what fans can expect from his highly anticipated album CAPTAIN in an interview with Grammys.
In a recent interview with the Recording Academy (Grammys), the Finesse crooner reflected on the genre’s global rise and his own journey within it.
Speaking on the current state of Afrobeats, BNXN praised the artists driving the sound’s international momentum, giving special shout-outs to Burna Boy, Rema, Tems, and Asake. However, he also pointed out that the genre’s boundaries continue to expand, citing Tems as an example of an artist successfully blending R&B with Nigerian rhythms.
“Afrobeats has been doing super amazing,” BNXN said. “But Tems is a great export because she’s been able to bridge R&B with Nigerian beats. Songs like Love Me JeJe are proper fusion.”
When asked about his personal ambitions, BNXN admitted he hopes to be recognized as one of Africa’s finest artists but isn’t in a rush to loudly claim that title. “I feel like I am one of the best, I just don’t know how to blow that trumpet,” he said.
The conversation also touched on hip-hop’s influence in his music, especially with the creation of CAPTAIN. BNXN credited Burna Boy’s energetic style on tracks like City Boy for inspiring him to explore new sounds.
“Hip-hop used to be very core in Nigeria, and I love Burna Boy so much. His energy inspired me to experiment, and that spirit is part of CAPTAIN,” BNXN revealed.
The album’s title, CAPTAIN, wasn’t randomly chosen either. It originated as a nickname from his close friends but later evolved into a metaphor for leadership and resilience in a competitive industry. “I see myself as this pirate, a captain on a ship navigating the ocean of the music industry,” he explained.
With CAPTAIN, BNXN promises a blend of Afrobeats, hip-hop influences, and bold personal storytelling, a project that reflects his growth, ambition, and the dynamic state of Nigerian music today.
🌟 Nigerian artist @BNXN has set his sights on global dominance, and is charting a course for maximum impact.
🎶 Ahead of the release of his new album, BNXN talks about the record, bringing more hip-hop into Afro-fusion, and where he wants the African music industry to go:… pic.twitter.com/VYamWvf1ZD
— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) July 1, 2025
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