BNXN Tackles Fat Joe Over Claim That Jamaica Started Afrobeats

BNXN Fires Back at Fat Joe Over Claim That Jamaica Started Afrobeats

BNXN has blasted American rapper Fat Joe, calling him out for claiming that Jamaica started Afrobeats, telling him to “educate yourself” and accusing him of disrespecting African music.

Nigerian Afrobeats star BNXN (formerly Buju) has reacted strongly to comments made by American rapper Fat Joe, after the hip-hop veteran suggested that Afrobeats originated from Jamaica.

The statement, made during Fat Joe’s podcast appearance, sparked backlash across the African music community, with BNXN leading the criticism.

 What Fat Joe Said

Fat Joe sparked controversy when he claimed that:

• Jamaica played a role in starting Afrobeats
• African music draws heavily from Jamaican sounds
• He had previously “checked” BNXN during a TV moment

The comments quickly went viral and triggered debates online about the true origin of Afrobeats.

 BNXN’s Response

BNXN did not hold back in his reaction, directly calling out Fat Joe on social media.

He wrote:

“Educate yourself, bozo.”

He also accused the American rapper of:

• Spreading misinformation about African music
• Showing disrespect toward African artists
• Having bias against the Afrobeats industry

(Pulse Nigeria)

 Background to the Clash

This isn’t the first time both names have been linked.

• Fat Joe previously claimed he influenced BNXN’s name change from “Buju”
• BNXN changed his stage name in 2022 to avoid confusion with Jamaican legend Buju Banton
• The issue has now evolved into a bigger debate about cultural influence in music

(Pulse Nigeria)

Afrobeats Origin Debate

Fat Joe’s comment adds to an ongoing global debate about Afrobeats:

• Africa (especially Nigeria and Ghana) is widely recognized as the birthplace of Afrobeats
• The genre evolved from Afro-fusion, highlife, and Afrobeat pioneered by Fela Kuti
• Jamaica has influenced global music, but is not the origin of Afrobeats

(Daily Post)