Genre: Afrobeats, Afro-fusion
Release Date: May 10, 2023
Artist: BNXN (fka Buju)
About the Song
“Pray” is a heartfelt melody from Nigerian singer BNXN, formerly known as Buju. The song carries a message of hard work, faith, and perseverance, serving as an ode to the unbreakable spirit of Nigerians. With a gospel-like chorus, electrifying choir backing, and call-and-response patterns, the track blends Afrobeats, Afro-fusion, and spiritual undertones to create a soul-stirring anthem.
Why This Song Is a Must-Listen
- A powerful mix of Afrobeats and gospel influences.
- Explores struggle, resilience, and divine favor.
- Highlights BNXN’s lyrical depth beyond mainstream themes.
- Resonates with anyone who values perseverance and faith.
Lyrics of Pray by BNXN
[Intro]
Tune in to the king of sounds and blues
Oh oh oh oh oh
Hal, hallelujah
Hal, hallelu
[Verse 1]
You say I be bloody fellow
As my skin come yellow
You say I no sabi hustle
I no sabi hustle
You were sleeping well oh
I was out here writing songs
And I was working double
I was working double
As you no dey for me
I carry my cross go cavalry
It’s in the rhythm and melody for me
The reason mo fi’jo si, mo fakọ si
‘Cause you no dey for me
I carry my cross go cavalry
It’s in the rhythm and melody for me
The reason mo fi Ijo si, mo fakọ si
[Chorus]
Ay, ah
Ẹmi mimọ o
Ẹ jọ, ẹ jọ o
Make I no go fall o
I too pray o
Ẹmi mimọ o
I’ve been working hard o
Make I no go fall o
I too pray o (Pray o)
Ẹmi mimọ oh (Ẹmi mimọ o)
I’ve been working hard o (Ẹ jọ o)
Make I no go fall o (Fall o)
I too pray o (Pray o)
Ẹ̀mí mimọ oh (Emi mimọ o)
Iwọ ni kin ma danwo
Make I no go fall o (Make I no go fall o)
I too pray o
[Verse 2]
I just duppy two shows, killed that on the same night
The same night I was thinking ʼbout date nights
With shawty and you know it’s her favorite
Her fine face and her body on skin tight
Skin tight so you know it all fits right
Man this year, I was giving them fist fights
Fighting all my demon at midnight
While blowing bare gas through windpipes
I told ʼem not to sleep on my shit right?
Now I’m at the O2 at past midnight
I’m playing two nights and I’m outside
Feels right and you know it all feels right
(Don’t sleep on me)
I told them not to sleep on me
(You wan see me)
I tell them you go see something
(You go pay money)
If you wan see me, you go pay money
Oh oh oh oh oh
(Don’t sleep on me)
I told them not to sleep on me
(You wan see me)
I told them you go see something
(You go pay money)
If you wan see me you go pay money
Oh oh oh oh oh
[Chorus]
Ẹmi mimọ o, ah
Ẹmi mimọ o
Ẹ jọ, Ẹ jọ o (Ẹ jo)
Make I no go fall o (Fall)
I too pray o (Pray)
Ẹmi mimọ o (Ẹmi mimọ)
I’ve been working hard o
Make I no go fall o (Make I no go fall o)
I too pray o
Ẹmí mimọ o
Ẹ jọ, Ẹ jọ o
Make I no go fall o
I too pray o
Ẹmi mimọ oh (Ẹmi mimọ)
I’ve been working hard o
Make I no go fall o (Fall o)
I too pray o
[Outro]
(Don’t sleep on me)
[?]
(You wan see me)
Wa se bi mo se fẹ
(You go pay money)
[?]
Oh oh oh oh oh
I too pray oh
Emi mimo oh
Ẹ jọ, Ẹ jọ (Wa se bi mo se fẹ)
Make I no go fall
I too pray o
Commentary Breakdown
Verse 1 Analysis
The opening lines reflect colorism and prejudice the artist faced. By contrasting critics’ ease with his hard work, BNXN highlights the sacrifices behind success. His metaphor of carrying his cross to Calvary ties personal struggles to religious imagery, underscoring perseverance.
Chorus Analysis
The prayerful chorus (“Ẹmi mimọ” – Holy Spirit, “Ẹ jọ” – please) is a plea for strength and divine protection, mirroring gospel hymns and rooting the song in spirituality.
Verse 2 Analysis
This verse showcases his rise from struggle to success, referencing sold-out shows and performing at London’s O2 Arena. Still, he reveals ongoing inner battles, hinting at the duality of fame and personal demons. His declaration that “If you wan see me, you go pay money” affirms his worth and confidence as an artist.
Listen & Stream
About the Artist
Daniel Etiese Benson, professionally known as BNXN (pronounced “Benson”), is a Nigerian Afro-fusion singer and songwriter. Formerly known as Buju, he rebranded to BNXN in 2022 to avoid confusion with Jamaican legend Buju Banton. Known for his soulful melodies and introspective lyrics, BNXN has become one of Afrobeats’ most celebrated voices.
Check out more BNXN lyrics on LyricsStudioAfrica.
What Do You Think?
Did BNXN’s “Pray” bless your soul today? Share your thoughts and interpretations in the comments below 👇.