BNXN navigates new heights with sophomore album 'CAPTAIN'
Nigerian singer-songwriter BNXN, who shed his Buju moniker like a snake shedding its skin, has released his sophomore album, CAPTAIN, into the market.
Born from a childhood nickname that spoke to natural leadership, CAPTAIN represents BNXN's most vulnerable artistic statement to date. Where his 2023 debut Sincerely, Benson introduced us to his world, this sophomore effort invites us into his psyche, a place where triumph and tribulation dance in perfect harmony.
The album's architecture is deliberate, each track a carefully plotted coordinate on BNXN's emotional map. He navigates through genre territories with the confidence of a seasoned explorer, weaving Afrobeats DNA with Afro-fusion innovation, R&B sensuality, and hip-hop's raw honesty. It isn't fusion for fusion's sake; it's the sound of an artist who refuses to be contained by conventional boundaries.
The guest roster reads like a who's who of contemporary African music royalty. Rema's appearance on Fi Kan We Kan creates magic, two generational talents trading verses like chess masters exchanging moves. Seyi Vibez brings his street-wise lyricism to the project, while Victony's contribution to Cough Syrup demonstrates the seamless chemistry between Nigeria's new school elite.
Perhaps most intriguingly, the Soweto Gospel Choir's presence adds spiritual gravitas to proceedings, their harmonies serving as a bridge between BNXN's earthly ambitions and higher aspirations. It's a bold artistic choice that pays dividends, elevating the album's emotional resonance.
Phenomena emerges as a sun-drenched anthem, its production radiating the warmth of Lagos afternoons while BNXN's vocals float effortlessly over percussion that feels alive. The track embodies the album's central theme: the phenomenon of growth, both personal and professional.
Cutesy ventures into drill territory with surprising effectiveness, BNXN's melodic sensibilities tempering the genre's typically harsh edges. It's seductive and street-smart simultaneously, attesting to his versatility.
Eleyi serves as a love letter to his origins, its nostalgic street-dancehall pulse evoking memories of concrete playgrounds and childhood dreams. Here, BNXN the superstar momentarily steps aside for Benson the boy, creating one of the album's most emotionally resonant moments.
The album's finale, In Jesus Name, functions as both a prayer and a promise. It's a vulnerable conclusion that strips away the bravado to reveal the gratitude beneath, a reminder that even captains need divine guidance.
The production collective behind CAPTAIN, featuring Kel-P, Vampire Craze, and Gemini Major, deserves recognition for creating musical canvases that enhance rather than overshadow BNXN's artistry. Each beat feels purposeful, each arrangement serving the greater narrative. The album's sound is contemporary yet timeless, innovative yet accessible.
CAPTAIN arrives at a pivotal moment for Afrobeats' global expansion. BNXN's upcoming North American tour, with stops in Atlanta and Los Angeles, signals his readiness to captain Nigerian music's continued international voyage. The album serves as a passport and manifesto, proof that Afrobeats artists need not compromise their authenticity for global appeal.
Listen CAPTAIN here.
