Veteran highlife musician Bright Chimezie has signed a landmark publishing agreement with Sony Music Publishing aimed at preserving and revitalising his musical legacy.
The deal, announced on Friday, will see Sony Music Publishing administer and manage the 64-year-old’s extensive catalogue of compositions and recordings. It also marks a significant step towards introducing Chimezie’s iconic Zigima Sound to new global audiences.
“Bright Chimezie’s music has endured through generations and continues to resonate across diverse cultures,” said Mr Godwin Tom, managing director of Sony Music Publishing Nigeria.
“We are honoured to welcome his remarkable catalogue into our family and look forward to creating new avenues that celebrate his enduring impact on African music.”
Reacting to the development, the highlife legend expressed excitement at the collaboration.
“This marks an important step towards preserving our traditional and cultural heritage for generations to come. I have always believed in the power of music to inspire and unite, and I am thrilled to work with a global platform like Sony Music Publishing to take Zigima to the world,” Chimezie said.
Sony Music also celebrated the deal on Instagram, posting pictures of Chimezie with the caption:
“SMP is honored 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 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!”
In a collaborative post with Chimezie, Sony Music added:
“The creator of the Zigima sound has joined the SMP! Get ready for more exciting things with Bright Chimezie because we are about to turn the heat up! 🔥”
Chimezie also added on Facebook, “Proud to announce that I was just inducted into Sony Music Publishing, West Africa family.”
The development comes shortly after the highlife legend visited Afrobeats star Davido, who had recently paid tribute to him by sampling his 1980s hit ‘Because of English’ on the song ‘With You’ featuring Omah Lay.
In a video that made rounds online, Davido was seen expressing admiration for Chimezie.
“The latest hit I just did with Omah Lay, I used inspiration from your song, Because of English,” the singer told him.
Chimezie, visibly pleased, responded with interest before Davido added, “I will tell them to play it for you. It’s trending everywhere, the whole world.”
Chimezie later posted a video on Instagram vibing to ‘With You,’ showing off his signature Zigima dance moves while praising the record. He also expressed appreciation for the tribute from Davido and Omah Lay, describing the song as “a fine piece of art.”
With songs like ‘Because of English,’ ‘African Style,’ ‘Oyibo Mentality’ and ‘Respect Africa,’ Bright Chimezie rose to fame in the 1980s with a unique blend of highlife, Afrobeat and socio-political satire, cementing his place as a pioneer of the Zigima sound and one of Nigeria’s musical storytellers.
