Yes, he’s trained for this moment. Yes, it’s war. But not the kind with bloodshed—this is artillery made of rhythm, pen game, and pure emotion. On 16 Soldiers, BNXN redefines what it means to fight for legacy in Afrobeats.
Opening an album with four experimental tracks isn’t a common move in today’s Afrobeats scene. But BNXN charges forward, guns blazing. From the introspective spark of I Alone, to Cutesy with Seyi Vibez riding over an AfroJersey bounce, to that subtle Burna Boy sample on Jiles—you instantly know he’s not here to play. The tone is set, the mission is clear: BNXN is building legacy, not just moments.
This project is a testament to the consistent work he’s poured into his craft. Tracks like Asimolowo, Jies, and Laye Mi showcase a cultural awareness that’s both sharp and poetic. He tells stories through melody—nuanced, rich, and emotionally layered. No two songs sound alike, even if his smooth delivery can occasionally trick the ear into thinking otherwise. Lyrically, he’s in his bag. Versatility? Fully unlocked.
Standouts? Yes Sir, Laye Mi, Jies, Cough Syrup. These aren’t just songs—they’re pages from a diary he never locked away. BNXN never misses a chance to remind us of his come-up—from squatting in friends’ houses to collecting rejections—and still, he plays with the number 16 on 5hrs to Nairobi, weaving his story deeper into the fabric of this album.
The features? Seyi Vibez arguably delivers the best feature on the tape, gliding effortlessly next to BNXN. He also introduces us to a new voice—Fola—on Very Soon, and it’s clear: this newcomer came ready. Of course, the Rema banger made the cut, because what’s a war chest without an explosive?
Toward the end, Cough Syrup pairs BNXN with Victony—two pens, one stage, and zero fear. Victony brags: “I been writing my songs on lowkey before Jazzy put the Mo in the Mo’Hits”—a bar heavy enough to shut the beat down. When BNXN comes back in, it’s with grace and precision, re-taking command of his sonic battalion.
And that battalion? It’s not just made of words and melodies—it’s powered by some of the best producers in the game: Kel P, Semzi, Blaize Beats, Ryemz, Larry Lanes and more. Each one a soldier. Each one essential.
The album ends on a reflective, deeply spiritual note with the Grammy-nominated Soweto Gospel Choir. BNXN stands firm in his faith, giving thanks to Jesus for carrying him through the chaos, the highs, the trenches, and the triumphs.
For me, 16 Soldiers feels like the commander—BNXN—has returned from the battlefield, battered, wiser, victorious. And now, he’s celebrating with the 16 who survived the musical war alongside him.
And if we’re talking dream staging? I want to see 16 Soldiers live in a Royal Albert Hall-type setting. That’s the only space worthy of a project this culturally significant, emotionally raw, and artistically unshakable.
LSTVWW 