The vibrant world of Nigerian music witnessed a heartwarming exchange as Afrobeats heavyweight Davido publicly acknowledged the profound influence of highlife icon Bright Chimezie on his latest chart-topping single, "With You," featuring Omah Lay. In a widely shared video call, Davido expressed his deep admiration for the veteran musician, revealing that Chimezie's timeless classic, "Because of English," served as the creative spark for his new hit.
"The latest hit I just did with Omah Lay, I used inspiration from your song, ‘Because of English’," Davido enthusiastically shared with the legendary highlife singer during their virtual interaction. Chimezie responded with evident interest, prompting Davido to assure him of the song's widespread popularity, stating, "I will tell them to play it for you. It’s trending everywhere, the whole world."
The appreciation flowed both ways. In a video response posted on his Instagram page, Bright Chimezie radiated joy as he grooved to "With You," commending Davido and Omah Lay for their creative ingenuity in sampling his iconic track. "You can see I am vibing to the song already. It’s a beautiful piece of work, very wonderful. I appreciate the fact that you said you picked the inspiration from this song I recorded many years ago; I appreciate you for that," the highlife maestro expressed.
Touched by Chimezie's gracious response, Davido reciprocated with deep respect, switching to the Igbo language to convey his admiration. "Ihe di ka gi akokwala m. Chief Sir Bright Chimezie, Ezigbote Onye Egwu," he wrote, which translates to, "People like you inspire me. Chief Sir Bright Chimezie, a true music legend." This heartfelt exchange underscores the respect and interconnectedness within the Nigerian music landscape, where contemporary stars readily acknowledge the giants upon whose shoulders they stand.
"With You," skillfully produced by Tempoe, masterfully blends the rich, rhythmic tapestry of highlife with the infectious energy of modern Afrobeats, further laced with a touch of funk.
This sonic fusion subtly nods to Nigeria's golden era of music in the 1970s and 80s, a period when artists like Bright Chimezie pioneered sounds that continue to resonate and inspire generations of musicians. Davido's open acknowledgment of this influence not only honors a legend but also highlights the enduring legacy and cyclical nature of musical innovation.