BNXN and the Art of the Afrobeats EP: A Look at Four Standout Projects

Daniel Etiese Benson, known professionally as BNXN, has long been recognised as one of Nigeria’s most lyrically gifted artists. While many of his peers measure success through frequent album releases, BNXN has taken a different path. Since his breakout roughly five years ago, he has released only two albums—Sincerely Benson and Captain—but has complemented that output with a steady stream of Extended Plays (EPs). For BNXN, the EP has become a signature format, and he makes the most of it. To date, he has released four EP projects, each offering a focused glimpse into his evolving artistry.

Sorry I'm Late (2021)

Released in October 2021, Sorry I’m Late was BNXN’s first major statement as a solo artist. By that point, listeners had come to know him through collaborations such as Zlatan’s “Spiritual,” LADIPOE’s “Feeling” and Burna Boy’s remix of “L’enu.” The seven-track project gave him room to show what he could do without leaning on another artist’s catalogue or audience. Songs like “Kilometre,” “Never Stopped” and “Ogechukwu,” featuring The Cavemen, highlighted his ability to move between catchy Afropop, introspective songwriting and highlife influences. The EP helped establish him as more than a guest artist delivering memorable verses on other people’s songs.

Bad Since '97 (2022)

With Bad Since ’97, BNXN grew more confident in his identity and sound. Released in August 2022, the seven-track EP featured Wizkid, Wande Coal and Olamide—three established artists whose presence added to its appeal. “Many Ways,” “Kenkele” and “Modupe” revealed different sides of his artistry, while the title track reinforced the self-assurance that runs through the project. It arrived in a year when his contribution to Pheelz’s “Finesse” had further raised his profile, making the EP an important follow-up to his breakthrough. Although critics differed on the consistency of its production, the project demonstrated his growing ability to hold his own alongside established names.

The Game Needs Us (2026)

Four years after Bad Since ’97, BNXN teamed up with producer Sarz for The Game Needs Us, a five-track EP released in May 2026. The collaboration is particularly interesting because it allows the singer’s melodies and songwriting to meet Sarz’s distinctive production. From “Rum & Soda” to “Emotional High” and “Already,” the project balances romantic vulnerability with rhythms that work equally well on headphones and dance floors. Its strongest commercial statement came with “Back Outside,” which topped Spotify Nigeria’s daily songs chart. More impressively, all five tracks entered the platform’s Nigerian top 15 in the same period, suggesting that listeners engaged with the project beyond a single hit.

Still in Charge (2026)

BNXN followed that collaborative outing with Still in Charge, a six-track EP released on 1 October 2026. Featuring Asake on “Eja Meja” and FOLA on “Shamaya,” the project moves between self-assurance, romance and carefree enjoyment. “Online” addresses conversations about his absence from social media, while “Deliberate Work” offers a more pointed look at his experiences in the industry. “If You Like” closes the project on a lighter note, leaving listeners with a glimpse of an artist comfortable with his position. The EP also debuted on Apple Music’s Nigerian albums chart.

A Quality Case for the EP Format

Across these four projects, BNXN has demonstrated that an artist doesn’t necessarily need to release an album every year to remain relevant. Each EP provides a focused glimpse into his development, collaborating with some of the industry’s most recognisable names while continuing to experiment with his sound. While his albums offer a broader view of his artistry, his EPs consistently give listeners compelling reasons to pay attention. The industry often prioritises quantity; BNXN makes a strong quality case as well.