Nigerian alté-fusion artist BNXN (formerly known as Buju) has released his highly anticipated sophomore album, ‘CAPTAIN,’ and the reaction from fans and critics has been anything but unanimous. While some hail the album as a bold artistic step, others argue that the project lacks the creative spark that once set BNXN apart in the Afro-fusion scene.
Released on July 3, 2025, CAPTAIN is BNXN’s first full-length project since 2022’s Bad Since ’97, and features collaborations with international and local talents including Victony, Ayra Starr, Libianca, and Omah Lay. The album was released under To Your Ears Entertainment, in partnership with EMPIRE Distribution, and has quickly climbed digital charts across West Africa.
Spanning 14 tracks, CAPTAIN explores themes of love, fame, loneliness, and self-identity, with BNXN maintaining his signature soulful delivery and lyric-driven melodies. Songs like “For Days II”, “Captain No Lie”, and “Alone with Me” showcase his vulnerability and introspection, while tracks like “Shayo Cruise” and “Loyalty Over Hype” offer more upbeat, club-ready vibes.
In an exclusive release statement, BNXN described the album as his “most personal work yet.”
“I wanted CAPTAIN to reflect where I am in life—navigating fame, pressure, and expectations while staying true to my sound,” he said.
Despite the album’s heartfelt intent, fans on X (formerly Twitter) and music blogs are divided on its overall impact.
“BNXN is clearly evolving, but CAPTAIN feels safe. I miss the hunger from ‘Outside’ and ‘Italy,’” wrote @mikewavezz.
“The album is a masterpiece! People just need to listen twice. The lyrical depth is crazy,” countered @afromagicgirl.
Music critic Tunde Lawal of NaijaVibe offered a more nuanced perspective:
“BNXN experiments a bit more sonically on this project, but he doesn’t take enough risks to truly elevate the soundscape. It’s smooth, but not memorable.”
Within 48 hours of its release, CAPTAIN debuted at No. 1 on Apple Music Nigeria, while four tracks entered Spotify Nigeria’s Top 10. Yet, some argue the numbers are not translating into cultural buzz compared to previous BNXN moments like his feature on ‘Feeling’ with Ladipoe or his viral hit ‘Gwagwalada.’
Digital streams may be solid, but social engagement—often a true barometer of Afrobeat success—has been relatively tame.
In a brief Instagram Live session the day after the release, BNXN addressed the mixed feedback.
“You don’t make music to please everyone. I’m not chasing hits. I’m telling my truth—and if you get it, you get it,” he said.
He also hinted at releasing a deluxe version of CAPTAIN with bonus tracks and live acoustic versions before the end of the year.