Bright Chimezie, the renowned Nigerian highlife musician, has entered into a promotional agreement with Sony Music Publishing (SMP).
The global music company announced the partnership in an Instagram post, expressing enthusiasm about the collaboration.
According to the post, the deal aims to bring Chimezie’s music to new audiences while preserving and celebrating his artistic legacy.
“SMP is honored to announce the introduction of the Legendary and extraordinary Bright Chimezie into the family,” the post reads.
“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 the evolution of modern highlife and Afrobeat.
“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.
“Welcome to the SMP train the Duke of African Music!”
The development comes weeks after the highlife veteran met with Afrobeats superstar Davido in Lagos.
Davido hosted Chimezie as a gesture of appreciation, having sampled the singer’s 2010 hit ‘Because of English’ in ‘With You’, his collaboration with Omah Lay.
Davido’s verse in ‘With You’ — “If I speak English, oh-oh, Cho-cho-cho, no working, I no wan punish, woah, woah. I want to punish you, idiarabanko” — closely mirrors Chimezie’s original lyrics, coming across as a creative spin or tribute to the veteran’s signature lines.
On Wednesday, singer Mayorkun revealed Davido played a key role in securing his deal with Sony Music Africa.
