Barely a month after meeting with singer David ‘Davido’ Adeleke, Nigerian highlife legend Bright Chimezie has signed a deal with Sony Music Publishing (SMP) West Africa, a leading global music publisher. SMP is known for publishing the works of top African artistes, including Wizkid, Tems, Sarkodie, Lojay, and Ladipoe.Chimezie met with the ‘Timeless’ hitmaker in Lagos on 19 May, following Davido’s public acknowledgement that Chimezie’s album *Because of English* inspired his popular track *With You*, which features Omah Lay.Their meeting sparked renewed interest in Chimezie’s music, similar to the recent resurgence of attention given to the late highlife musician Mike Ejeagha. Ejeagha’s classic *Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche*, released 41 years ago, recently gained traction after skit maker Brain Jotter used the phrase “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” in one of his comedy skits.
Since Davido acknowledged and hosted the 64-year-old Chimezie, he has returned to the limelight, especially after posting a video thanking Davido. His unique dance moves in the video went viral, with many content creators and fans recreating their own versions of *With You* using his choreography.
On Friday, Sony Music Publishing confirmed via its official Instagram page that the Abia-born musician had signed a deal with them. The statement read: “SMP is honoured to announce the introduction of the legendary and extraordinary Bright Chimezie into the family. Known for his vibrant style, infectious rhythms, and the creation of the ‘Zigima Sound’, Bright Chimezie is a towering figure in African music. With a career spanning over four decades, his influence remains pivotal in modern highlife and Afrobeat evolution.”
The partnership aims to introduce his timeless music to new generations of fans around the globe while ensuring his creative legacy is properly protected and promoted.Chimezie released *Because of English*, a standout track from his 2018 album of the same name. The song gained widespread attention for its powerful message and his distinctive blend of traditional music, Igbo highlife, and chanted vocals. In the track, Chimezie recounts a childhood experience where his teacher flogged him for failing to express himself in English, in line with a ‘no vernacular’ policy at school. He also reflects on the broader punishment and shame associated with struggling to speak English fluently. The *Respect Africa* hitmaker is widely celebrated for addressing critical societal issues such as colonialism, economic exploitation, and cultural identity.
Source : https://www.premiumtimesng.com/
