African superstars Fireboy DML, Bnxn fka Buju, Wande Coal, Navy Kenzo, and many more are set to feature on Empire Africa’s debut compilation album, “Where We Come From.” The album — which is set for a Nov. 18 release — also features Tolani, Black Sherif, Leil, L.A.X, and more. The project is being launched with “Cough (Odo)” BY Kizz Daniel as the lead single.
The project focuses on sounds from multiple parts of Africa — not solely West African Afropop. With Tanzanian duo Navy Kenzo, Ghanaian rapper Black Sherif, and Nigerian singer-songwriter Kizz Daniel all having strong focus tracks, the project is likely to paint a fuller image of the African culture exploding across the globe. As African music becomes more popular year over year, more stakeholders (from different genres within Africa) are entering the industry and battling for market share and influence.
“The artists from Africa transcend where music is today,” he said. “This is a legendary moment for Empire to be able to share incredible African music with the world, much of which we were fortunate enough to record at our studio here in San Francisco.” - Empire CEO, Ghazi Shami.
One artist who is very aware of the power of collaboration is Bnxn (pronounced “Benson,” and formerly known as Buju). Bnxn, who boasts two tracks on “Where We Come From,” released his debut EP in 2021 and has already collaborated with WizKid, Burna Boy, and Zlatan ahead of his debut studio album due next year. While being driven around in Lagos, Nigeria, Bnxn spoke with Variety — via Zoom — about his involvement on this album, his excitement about African music, and his plans for 2023.
How did your songs on the album come together?
Working on this album was amazing. We were in San Francisco in March and it was actually a songwriting camp with musicians from around the world. I was meeting with producers, and getting inspired, and it was almost like a big genius conference (laughs). I met SakPase – I actually didn’t know he produced Rihanna’s “Man Down”, so it was great to be around that level of genius. It was crazy we worked together – and his sound is a mix of his Haitian sound and the groove you expect in Nigerian Afrobeats. He was a major influence on my EP Bad to 97. It was a sweet opportunity for me.
