Nigerian highlife icon Bright Chimezie has expressed deep appreciation and joy after Afrobeat superstar Davido publicly acknowledged drawing inspiration from his classic song Because Of English for his recently released track With You, a collaboration with fellow artist Omah Lay.
The legendary musician, known for his unique blend of highlife rhythms and humorous, message-laden lyrics, shared his reaction during an interview with Hip TV after making a cameo appearance in the music video for With You, which premiered earlier this week.
The revelation came as a pleasant surprise to Chimezie, who said he only discovered the musical connection when Davido personally reached out to inform him.
“Words cannot describe how I feel,” Chimezie said with heartfelt emotion. “I’m so delighted. I feel honoured. And I’m grateful to Davido for recognising that he drew inspiration from me.”
According to the highlife veteran, he had no prior knowledge that With You was inspired by his own song Because Of English, a hit that once captivated audiences across Nigeria and beyond. It took a personal phone call from Davido for Chimezie to fully grasp the link.
“I didn’t even know that his song With You was inspired by my song Because Of English,” he revealed. “He was the person who made me understand that. He put a call across to me and confessed that he was inspired by my song. The humility and everything, I feel so happy about it.”
The admiration between the two generations of musicians was not only evident in their private conversations but also in the visuals of With You, where Chimezie appears briefly, bridging the gap between Nigeria’s musical past and its dynamic present.
Davido’s public recognition of Chimezie’s influence marks a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue between Nigeria’s old-school musical legends and the new wave of Afrobeats stars who now dominate the global stage. For Chimezie, the acknowledgment from a younger artist of Davido’s stature is both a validation of his legacy and a testament to the timeless quality of his music.
Bright Chimezie, who rose to fame in the 1980s with his “zigima sound”—a fusion of traditional Igbo music, highlife, and comic storytelling—remains a respected figure in Nigeria’s cultural and musical landscape. While his mainstream presence has waned over the years, his songs continue to resonate, particularly among listeners who appreciate socially conscious music with an African identity.
Recently, the veteran signed a publishing deal with Sony Music, a move that he says signals a new chapter in his musical journey. He confirmed that he is still actively creating music, even if his pace is not as fast as it once was.
“I’m still making music,” he said. “We—the older generation—just took a step back to allow the younger ones to shine. But we haven’t stopped. We’re still in the game. Music is in our blood.”
Chimezie also acknowledged the vibrant energy of Nigeria’s current music scene, praising the younger generation for taking African music global. However, he noted that artists like himself laid the foundation for today’s success stories.
“The Nigerian music industry has grown tremendously,” he said. “I’m proud of what the younger generation is doing. They’re taking our sound to the world. But we, the legends, were the ones who set the tone. And to see someone like Davido recognising that, it’s humbling.”
Fans of both artists have welcomed the collaboration and mutual respect, calling it a refreshing reminder of the importance of honoring those who paved the way. The cameo by Bright Chimezie in With You adds a nostalgic element to the song, giving longtime fans a dose of familiarity while introducing a new audience to the pioneer behind the inspiration.
On social media, the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with many users applauding Davido for crediting his source of inspiration and for involving Chimezie in the visual storytelling. Others have called for more such cross-generational collaborations to preserve Nigeria’s musical heritage.
“Davido just earned my respect again. Big ups for showing love to the OG Bright Chimezie,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Another fan commented, “It’s amazing to see legends being celebrated while they’re still alive. More of this, please!”
Chimezie’s classic Because Of English, known for its witty lyrics and satirical commentary on the obsession with English-speaking in Nigeria, remains relevant decades after its release. The song’s enduring popularity speaks volumes about Chimezie’s creativity and the powerful cultural critiques embedded in his music.
Now, with With You introducing a new generation to that same spirit—albeit through a modern Afrobeats lens—the circle of influence appears to be complete.
As Nigeria’s music continues to evolve, moments like this remind the public that today’s global Afrobeat success is deeply rooted in the creative genius of legends like Bright Chimezie. And for the man himself, the recognition is not just a personal triumph—it’s a sign that true artistry never fades.
“Music is a universal language,” he said. “And when you make music from the heart, it will travel through time and inspire generations. That’s what’s happening here. I’m proud, and I thank Davido for making it happen.”
The heartwarming gesture between the highlife veteran and the Afrobeats superstar has added another chapter to the legacy of Nigerian music—one that honours the past while embracing the future.
