Veteran Nigerian highlife icon Bright Chimezie has expressed deep appreciation for Afrobeats superstar Davido, who recently acknowledged drawing inspiration from his music.
Chimezie described the recognition as a humbling and gratifying experience, noting that it has filled him with joy and renewed pride in his musical legacy.
Davido pays tribute to a legend
The connection between the two artists came to light during a conversation Davido had with the press, where he revealed that his latest collaboration with Omah Lay, titled With You, was inspired by Chimezie’s classic song Because of English.
According to Davido, the rhythms, energy, and messaging of Chimezie’s music played a crucial role in shaping the sound and feel of “With You,” a track that has garnered widespread attention since its release. The accompanying music video, released earlier this week, features a special cameo appearance by Bright Chimezie himself.
Chimezie: “I didn’t even know”
Speaking with Hip TV, Chimezie revealed that he had no idea his 1980s hit had influenced Davido’s recent work until the singer personally reached out to him.
“I didn’t even know that his song With You was inspired by my song Because of English,” Chimezie said. “He was the one who called me and explained that he drew inspiration from my music. That level of humility really touched me.”
Chimezie, known for his energetic stagecraft and witty lyricism, said Davido’s gesture of acknowledgement reflects the younger artist’s character and respect for those who came before him.
A moment of pride and gratitude
Reflecting on the experience, Chimezie described it as one of the most touching moments in his recent career.
“Words cannot describe how I feel,” he said. “I’m so delighted. I feel honoured. And I’m grateful to Davido for recognising me. The humility and everything about it just made me so happy.”
The veteran singer’s joy was visible in the With You music video, where he appeared briefly alongside Davido and Omah Lay, symbolising a bridge between generations of Nigerian music.
Still active, still inspired
Despite stepping back from the limelight in recent years, Bright Chimezie confirmed that he remains very much active in the music scene. He recently signed a publishing deal with Sony Music, which he said has reignited his creative spirit and opened new doors for his music to reach a global audience.
“I’m still making music,” Chimezie said. “We took a step back to let the younger ones grow and shine, but that doesn’t mean we’ve stopped. Music is in our blood.”
Chimezie added that while he and his peers may no longer dominate the charts, they continue to create, mentor, and shape the culture from behind the scenes. He praised the younger generation for keeping Nigerian music in the global spotlight, but reminded fans that the foundation was laid decades ago.
Legacy lives on
Bright Chimezie’s influence on Nigerian music, particularly through his unique Ziggima sound, a blend of traditional Igbo rhythms with highlife and social commentary, continues to resonate. His songs, often laced with humour and political insight, remain relevant even in today’s rapidly evolving music landscape.
The recognition from Davido, one of Africa’s biggest music exports, serves as a testament to the lasting impact of Chimezie’s work. It also highlights the importance of musical heritage and the value of giving credit where it’s due.
As Afrobeats continues to dominate global playlists, artists like Bright Chimezie serve as a reminder that today’s hits are built on the creativity and courage of those who paved the way.
And for Chimezie, knowing that his music still speaks to a new generation is all the motivation he needs to keep going.
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