Sitting comfortably in 13th place on the charts, BNXN’s Pidgin and English continues to capture listeners’ hearts long after its release. The song’s title might lead the average person to expect a comical tune or one narrating the hustle and grind of the streets—perhaps a tale of boys struggling to become men. However, BNXN defies expectations, delivering an apologetic love song instead.
The Story Behind the Song
A question immediately comes to mind: What did Buju do this time? For those unaware, BNXN formerly went by the stage name Buju but changed it to avoid confusion with Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton. Born Daniel Etiese Benson in Lagos, Nigeria, the Akwa Ibom native opted for BNXN (pronounced “Benson”), a stylized variation of his surname, to establish a unique brand identity.
As for the song’s premise, BNXN finds himself in the bad graces of his love interest. Pidgin and English is the sixth track on his Sincerely Benson album and features a sample from Canadian band MAGIC’s Primary Colors. Co-written by producer Sarz, the song’s apologetic theme is evident in BNXN’s heartfelt lyrics, where he seeks forgiveness for his mistakes.
Heartfelt Lyrics and Emotional Depth
The chorus beautifully captures the essence of the song’s remorseful tone:
“I got my issues, I admit that
You got some things that hold you back
But we are acting like we children
Looking to blame for what we lack
Before we lose everything we have tomorrow
Can we forget what went wrong yesterday, darling”
BNXN reinforces this sentiment by admitting to his past missteps, acknowledging his failed attempts at deception, and confessing that no one can love him better than she does. He expresses longing for his love interest, seamlessly switching between English and Pidgin to drive home his message:
“Who could have thought these feelings would cease
But then I miss you laying in my sheets
Se you no see as my heart e dey bleed? (Do you not see my heart as it bleeds?)
I don’t wanna lose you to what I did
And for your heart, I place the highest bid
Gimme an offer I just can’t resist
Na for Pidgin and English I dey speak (It’s in Pidgin and English I speak)
You know I ain’t speaking Japanese.”
Understanding Pidgin English
For those unfamiliar, Pidgin (also called Pidgin English or Broken English) is a simplified, mixed-language form of English widely spoken in Nigeria and other West and Central African countries. According to Wikipedia, Pidgin is a grammatically simplified means of communication that develops between groups lacking a common language.
Its roots trace back to the 17th century when it served as the primary communication tool between British slavers, merchants, and the local population. Despite its dark past, Pidgin remains a dominant language in Nigeria and other Anglophone African nations, including Ghana, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea, where it is also known as Guinea Coast Creole English.
While unofficial, Pidgin English is widely used across Nigeria, serving as a first language for many in multi-ethnic societies. In the song, BNXN’s use of both English and Pidgin enhances his emotional plea, making his message even more relatable to a broad audience.
Pidgin and English’s Continued Popularity and Chart Success
A remarkable fact about Pidgin and English is its continued relevance. Despite being released in October 2023, the track remains a fan favorite, trending on Apple’s Top 100 as of January 2025. It also holds a strong position on Spotify, currently ranking at number 18.
This is not BNXN’s first foray into love and heartbreak themes. His song Aduke (Sweet Tea) similarly struck a deep chord with listeners, narrating a tale of longing and affection. The lyrics express how his love interest is supposed to “sweet him” like sweet tea—a touching metaphor that resonated with fans.
Final Words
BNXN remains one of the most underestimated artists in the Afrobeat and Afrofusion scene. Though his physical presence is as imposing as a bear, his voice carries the warmth and tenderness of a teddy bear, making his music both soothing and deeply moving.
Discovered by Burna Boy, BNXN continues to rise, proving that his talent knows no bounds. At Trickle Media, we wish him nothing but continued success as he carves out his legacy in the industry.
