Bright Chimezie bags Sony Music Publishing deal

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.

PREMIUM TIMES learnt that Chimezie met with the ‘Timeless’ hitmaker in Lagos on 19 May, following Davido’s public acknowledgement that ‘Because of English’(Chimezie’s album) inspired his popular track ‘With You’, which features Omah Lay.

Their meeting sparked renewed interest in Chimezie’s music, mirroring the recent resurgence in attention given to the late highlife musician Mike Ejeagha.

Late Ejeagha’s classic track ‘Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche’, released 41 years ago, gained traction after skit maker Brain Jotter used the segment ‘Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo’ in one of his comedy skits.

Since Davido acknowledged and hosted the 64-year-old Chimezie, he has been back in the limelight, particularly after posting a video in appreciation of Davido’s gesture.

His unique dance moves in the video quickly went viral, with numerous content creators and fans recreating their versions of ‘With You’ using his steps.

However, 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. Welcome to the SMP train, the Duke of African Music!”

Backstory

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 Chimezie’s distinctive blend of traditional music, Igbo highlife, and chanted vocals. This style left a notable mark on the music scene.

In the track, Chimezie recounts a childhood experience where his teacher flogged him for failing to express himself in English, following the enforcement of a ‘no vernacular’ policy at school.

He also reflects on the broader punishment and shame of struggling to speak English fluently.

The ‘Respect Africa’ hitmaker is renowned for addressing pressing societal issues such as colonialism, economic exploitation, and cultural identity.