Afrobeats powerhouse Daniel Etiese Benson, professionally known as BNXN (f.k.a. Buju), has laid bare the raw vulnerabilities behind his meteoric rise, confessing that the glittering chaos of Lagos has made finding genuine love feel like an insurmountable battle. In a poignant tweet that has resonated with millions, the "Finesse" hitmaker shared his exhaustion with the city's romantic landscape, sparking a wave of empathy, humor, and heated debates across social media.
On December 9, 2025, BNXN posted on X (formerly Twitter): “To find love for Eko too hard for me o.” The simple, Pidgin-infused cry—Eko being the Yoruba name for Lagos—has since amassed over 1.2 million views, 45,000 likes, and thousands of replies, turning into a viral anthem for urban heartbreak. Fans and fellow artists flooded the thread with relatable quips, from comparisons of Lagos love to unreliable electricity ("full of promises, but e go switch off when you need am most!") to calls for relocation ("Abuja? Port Harcourt? Drop locations abeg!"). The post not only highlights BNXN's personal struggles but also taps into a collective Nigerian sentiment about the fast-paced, high-stakes dating scene in Africa's largest metropolis.
BNXN, 28, whose discography boasts platinum-certified anthems like "Gwagwalada," "Outside," and collaborations with global icons such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Pheelz, has long kept his romantic life under wraps. However, his candid admission pulls back the curtain on a series of painful chapters that have left deep scars. The singer's woes trace back to 2022, when his alleged relationship with Swedish model Filma Jones imploded publicly. Jones accused BNXN of impregnating and abandoning her, leaking intimate photos—including explicit images—to substantiate her claims. The scandal dominated headlines for weeks, thrusting the then-up-and-coming artist into a maelstrom of tabloid scrutiny and emotional turmoil.
In subsequent interviews, BNXN revealed the incident as his "first true heartbreak," a vulnerability he had never experienced so viscerally before. "It was the first time I felt that pain publicly," he shared, describing the betrayal as a turning point that shattered his trust in relationships. Compounding the trauma, he later disclosed another harrowing encounter: a woman who attempted to blackmail him with a fabricated pregnancy claim following a one-night stand. These betrayals, set against the relentless glare of fame and Lagos' cutthroat social dynamics, have made vulnerability feel like a luxury he can no longer afford.
"Lagos is a beautiful beast," BNXN elaborated in a follow-up Instagram Live session on December 10, viewed by over 500,000 fans. "The energy, the hustle—it's intoxicating. But when it comes to love, it's like everyone's playing a game where the rules change every minute. Trust is scarce, intentions get blurred by ambition, and one wrong move turns into a lifetime headline. I've been burned enough to know: You can't pour into someone who's just waiting to take." He paused, his voice cracking slightly, before adding with his signature wry humor, "Na why I dey focus on the music—e no go ghost me or leak my nudes."
The revelation arrives at a career pinnacle for BNXN, who recently wrapped his "Bad Since '97" world tour, selling out arenas in London, New York, and Johannesburg, and teased a sophomore album slated for Q2 2026. Signed to Sony Music and IMP Empire, his evolution from street anthems to introspective Afrobeats has earned him the 2025 MTV EMA for Best African Act and a BET Award nomination. Yet, as streams soar into the billions, BNXN's words underscore the paradox of stardom: unparalleled success shadowed by profound isolation. "Hits come easy now," he reflected, "but a real connection? That's the real flex."
Social media erupted in solidarity, with hashtags #LoveInLagos and #BNXNVibes trending in Nigeria for 48 hours straight. Comedian Basketmouth tweeted, "BNXN don talk wetin all of us dey feel inside. Lagos love na survival game—enter with full tank, exit with empty heart 😂," while influencer Tacha Akide added, "King, you're not alone. The city chews up dreams, but yours? Unbreakable. Love will find you when it's real." Relationship coach Tomi Lakan shared advice: "Dating in Lagos is hard because it's a mirror of the hustle—everyone's guarded. BNXN's story reminds us: Heal first, then love filters in."
BNXN's openness has also ignited broader conversations about mental health in the entertainment industry, where public scandals often exacerbate private pain. He joins a chorus of artists, from Ayra Starr to Omah Lay, advocating for therapy and boundaries amid fame's pressures. "I'm not complaining," he clarified. "I'm just keeping it 100. If my story helps one person drop the mask, then it's worth the revisit."
As BNXN gears up for holiday shows in Lagos and Accra, he remains optimistic. "Love no dey rush, but when e come, e go be worth the wait. For now, make I cook more fire for una," he signed off, cueing up an impromptu freestyle that left fans clamoring for snippets.
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