“An incredibly well-written and expertly curated body of work”
The phenomenal 25-year-old bundle of talent known as BNXN (born Daniel Benson) has been a relentless worker ever since he first graced the music industry in 2018. He has moved from a newbie creating ear-appealing tracks to becoming a superstar overnight. Having spearheaded the hooks for some of Nigeria’s biggest collaboration records and number-one songs since 2021, the singer has grown to be a darling among young music fanantics both domestically and abroad. He received an exceptional reward for his work in 2019 when he signed with Burnaboy’s Spaceship Entertainment company, which transformed the path of his life and music career for the better.
Even at such a young time in his career, BNXN set a benchmark for himself and other up-and-coming talents with the earlier released songs like, such as “Spiritual,” “L’enu,” and “Lovely.”
He finished up 2021 by releasing his debut EP, “Sorry I’m Late,” which solidified his status as a well-known singer-songwriter.
In 2022, while new music was being released from all directions, it seemed as though BNXN had put away an arsenal of excellent songs waiting to be released at once on a particular day. Well, that day ultimately arrived; it was the 26th of August 2022, when he issued his sophomore EP, which was titled “Bad Since ’97.” With the help of the production wizardry of TSB, Sak Pase, and Denzl, BNXN was able to accomplish something that not every new artist is able to do: he recruited three of the biggest superstars in Afrobeats, Wizkid, Wande Coal, and Olamide on ‘Bad Since ’97‘ .
According to the writer’s perspective, this article would break down each song on the album in detail and provide a critical analysis of the project’s elements.
1. ‘Bad Since ’97‘
Produced by an outstanding Abuja-based producer Denzl. The Ep title-track introduces a plethora of braggadocio, self-proclamation, and in-depth lyricism. This track by BNXN seemed very intentional; it had the air of establishing the EP’s overall theme. According to him, when he first heard the instrumental he immediately he immediately likened the song to a soundtrack from a movie. The song ‘Bad since ’97‘ perfectly describes his early days as an up-and-comer. He lets it be known that he isn’t that same child any more as “the level I dey, Burj Khalifa,” comparing his level of growth to that of the tallest skyscraper in the world. In essence, he effectively says he feels on top of the world.
2. ‘Bad Man Wicked‘
Inspired by his first trip to the city of London, BNXN gets inventive with the chorus, which offers a series of questions that are answered on the verses, and bounces on a dancehall-like rhythm created by London resident TSB. The song “Bad Man Wicked” has the most narrative lyrics on the project. What makes this tune particularly special is the way it was recorded, we witness BNXN continue to assert his position as a young achiever who rose to success through nothing but musical talent. The chorus is performed using typical London lingos in a question-like manner, prompting BNXN to relate his narrative in return. According to BNXN, this was the first time recording with TSB in London. It is impossible to fault the horn and drum coordination. This tune is a guaranteed head-bumper even with all it’s deep storytelling.
3. ‘Many Ways‘ (Ft. Wizkid)
The song “Many Ways” would be the ideal illustration for it if we were asked to describe what a typical modern Afrobeats record sounds like. One of the best in the business, Juls crafted the superb instrumentation that allowed BNXN and Wizkid singing affectionately about finding various ways to please their significant others. The song’s main goal was to get listeners in a groove with the Africanized instrumentation and drum cohesiveness. Wizkid‘s words were a bit simplistic but catchy at the same time, while BNXN added a more detailed lyricism and melodies as usual.
4. ‘Kenkele‘
The song “Kenekele,” another catchy Afrobeats track, is positively contagious from the very first listen. This groovy air was further portrayed in the vibrant music video, which features both Wande and BNXN in a lighthearted environment with Asian influences. BNXN added some gravity to the track with his lyrics, emphasizing on being a regular guy who bought cheap cannabis before he started obtaining money, while Wande Coal provided the mildly shabby yet funky chorus. Adding end rhymes was all that both singers were doing to entice listeners to the dance floor.
5. ‘In My Mind‘
The EP’s most likely international song, this song has all the essential components of a great song: excellent lyricism, melody, delivery, and orchestration. Before the EP’s official release, BNXN gave a superb alternate rendition of “In My Mind” on COLORS Studio. On the song, we get to see a different side of BNXN—a more vulnerable side as he lets out his hurt and resentment over a failed relationship. The song’s lyrics express regret at having high expectations for something that turned out to be incredibly toxic rather than what it might have bloomed beautifully into. With lyrics like ‘In your mind, you’re only here ’cause I got fame And, what you do is drag my name” suggestion exploitation and blackmail from a significant other.
6. ‘Modupe‘ (Ft. Olamide)
‘Modupe‘ is a serene and melodic song that expresses utter gratitude to God. We view BNXN from a new perspective once more, this time one that is more spiritual and religious. The track’s title ‘Modupe’ is a Yoruba word translated in English as ‘I’m grateful’. The singer reflects on his path and all the experiences he had to go through to get to the level he is now, continuing the subject of “Bad Since ’97” established from the first track.
In contrast to the calm and serene feels, Olamide brought in a fierce and raspy street-like delivery with his rap verse that found a way to blend in to the whole vibe regardless, however he didn’t cease to convey a powerful message with his lyrics.
7. ‘Lose Emotions‘
Similar to “In my Mind,” “Loose Emotions” is more of a memoir about a former toxic relationship. However, this track BNXN sings from a point of triumph and moving past sadness triggered from lost love to a healthier place. This serves as a sort of hymn for those who have overcome unhealthy commitments. Although the song’s premise is somewhat depressing, the melody has a cheerful vibe and bounce to it, which I believe is another deliberate effort by BNXN to wrap up the project because it also exudes a sense of freedom to start over and be open to new prospects.
Conclusion
Looking at BNXN’s debut EP, you can notice an immense level of growth and artistic development from a 25-year-old guy navigating the dating scene in Lagos as a bachelor, while also dealing with the benefits and drawbacks of being an overnight sensation. On ‘Bad Since ’97‘, BNXN comes across as a more self-aware, self-assured musician who doesn’t give a hoot about the naysayers. Although Daniel Benson hasn’t quite worked out this thing called relationships, he has opted to move on to greater things and focus on the positive aspects rather than the negative. He is a grateful person who acknowledges God’s involvement in his success story. The EP is simply an incredibly well-written and expertly curated body of work.