A 41-Year-Old Classic Finds New Life
Nigerian highlife veteran Bright Chimezie has expressed joy and gratitude after learning that his 1983 hit Because of English was sampled by Afrobeats superstar Davido in his new song With You, which features Omah Lay. Speaking during an interview with Hip TV on the set of the music video shoot, Chimezie revealed that he was unaware of the sample until Davido personally informed him.
“I am so delighted. I feel honoured. I am grateful to Davido for recognising the fact that he drew inspiration from me,” Chimezie said, beaming with pride.
“I didn’t even know. He was the one who called and confessed to me, ‘Daddy, this is what I did.’ His humility and everything made me so happy about it.”
Respect Across Generations
The moment marks a significant cross-generational exchange in Nigerian music, with Davido acknowledging the legacy and influence of Chimezie—a pioneer of the Zigima Sound, a highlife style that fused traditional Igbo rhythms with social commentary and funk grooves.
Chimezie’s gracious response has earned applause from fans, especially given the growing trend in Nigerian music where veteran contributions are often overlooked or go uncredited.
A Surprise Comeback: Viral After Four Decades
Following the release of With You, produced by Nigerian hitmaker Tempoe and featured on Davido’s fifth studio album 5ive, Chimezie’s original song has seen a stunning resurgence. Because of English recently entered Spotify’s viral charts—over four decades after its debut—thanks to renewed interest driven by the sample.
The track, praised for its seamless blend of vintage highlife and modern Afrobeats sensibilities, has become a standout fan favourite.
New Music on the Horizon
The resurgence has seemingly sparked a creative fire in the legendary artist. Chimezie shared that he’s already back in the studio and working on new material.
“We have so many songs to record. In fact, we were in the studio before David called, so we are in the business.”
This new phase in his career follows a recent publishing deal signed with Sony Music West Africa, potentially setting the stage for his return to the mainstream music scene.
Davido's Tribute: More Than Just Music
Davido, known for his consistent nods to musical heritage and for bridging generational gaps, recently hosted Bright Chimezie in Lagos in a private gathering that included friends and associates. The gesture earned him praise online for showing genuine respect and appreciation for Nigeria’s musical legends.
In a genre often accused of prioritising novelty over legacy, Davido’s action serves as a refreshing reminder that the future of Afrobeats is deeply rooted in the past.
Sampling as Cultural Continuity
With You now joins a growing list of Afrobeats songs that celebrate Nigeria’s musical past through sampling and stylistic fusion. From Burna Boy’s Afro-fusion revivalism to Asake’s Fuji-influenced sound, today’s stars are increasingly drawing inspiration from the golden eras of Nigerian music.
Bright Chimezie’s joy over being acknowledged reflects a broader truth: legacy matters. And when history is honoured with sincerity, it often finds new life—sometimes, even 41 years later.