When a musician sounds disinterested in his own craft, the resulting body of work often feels like an obligation, not an inspiration. That is precisely the problem with BNXN’s new album Captain — a project that feels like a checkbox ticked for label compliance rather than an expression of artistry. Formerly known as Buju, BNXN built his name by delivering memorable hooks and standout features, but on Captain, the weight of carrying an entire album alone exposes the cracks in his foundation.
A Project Lacking Direction and Drive
Captain is a 15-track cruise through sleepy Afrobeats production, muted vocal delivery, and unmemorable songwriting. The overall energy of the album is surprisingly low for an artist who, just a few years ago, electrified the Nigerian music space with his infectious presence on Pheelz’s Finesse. In contrast, BNXN sounds too relaxed, too confident in streams to put real soul into the songs. Rather than a defining moment in his solo career, Captain ends up sounding like filler material — the kind of record made to satisfy a distribution deal rather than connect with fans.
There’s no overarching sonic or lyrical theme binding the project together. The beats feel algorithmically selected, like stock Afrobeats loops lacking the raw edge or experimentation that might elevate them. Even BNXN’s signature lush vocals are marred by a delivery that feels emotionally disengaged. On many tracks, he sings like someone who knows the numbers will come in — whether or not the music is good.
The Bright Spots: “Jies” and “Very Soon”
Not everything on Captain is entirely forgettable. The track “Jies” stands out for its brassy, highlife-tinged instrumentation and groovy baseline. Here, BNXN returns to a playful tone, serenading a woman whose beauty leaves him spellbound. While the lyrics lean into typical Afropop tropes of beauty and wealth, the execution feels more authentic, and the song at least offers a reason to keep listening.
Another highlight is “Very Soon” featuring Fola. This track explores themes of resilience and the hope of reconnection after a hard time. With Fola taking a more emotionally grounded approach in the chorus and pre-chorus, the song briefly taps into the kind of vulnerability that BNXN usually excels at — reminding us that when he tries, he can still connect on a personal level.
The Tracks That Fall Flat
Most of the other songs on Captain struggle to hold the listener’s attention. “I Alone” attempts a confessional tone, hinting at inner conflict and the isolating nature of fame, but the emotion is buried under too much repetition and a lack of vocal urgency.
On “Set Up,” even with a guest appearance by Seyi Vibez, the energy remains subdued. The lyrical content — all about success, haters, and women — rehashes ideas we’ve heard countless times, without adding any new perspective.
“Captain,” the title track, positions BNXN as a commander of his own destiny, with lines like “I did not choose this life, the life chose me.” However, the tone is so laid-back that it feels more like passive resignation than confident leadership.
Even spiritual-leaning tracks like “In Jesus Name,” which could’ve added a layer of emotional gravity, feel more like a checklist prayer than a powerful testimony. The praise is diluted by formulaic production and sleepy delivery — again suggesting obligation, not conviction.
A Few Lifelines: Kel-P and Rema
There are two major contributions that briefly awaken Captain from its slumber. Kel-P’s production on “Eleyi” adds much-needed rhythm and bounce, but the life fades as soon as BNXN’s vocals enter. On “Fi Kan We Kan”, Rema brings a much-needed jolt of energy. His signature charisma contrasts starkly with BNXN’s lethargy, exposing the inconsistency of the project’s emotional tone.
Unfortunately, instead of lifting BNXN, these collaborations only further highlight his disengagement. The features show what the album could’ve been if BNXN had approached Captain with the same fire he brings to his guest appearances.
Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity
Captain is the kind of album that plays in the background while you do chores — not because it’s soothing, but because it’s too uninspiring to hold attention. For an artist who once seemed destined to reshape the face of modern Afrobeats, this project feels like a step backward.
The fans lose here — those who believed in the raw talent behind Outside and Sorry I’m Late, who saw BNXN as more than a feature artist. Captain won’t ruin his career, but it certainly doesn’t build on his legacy. It’s a release that screams “contract fulfilled,” not “story told.”
Verdict: 4/10
BNXN’s Captain sails on autopilot, lacking the passion and hunger that once defined him. A disappointing release from an artist who still has so much more to give — if he chooses to.
