In a move that underscores the enduring influence of Nigeria’s musical heritage, legendary highlife musician Bright Chimezie has signed a historic publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing (SMP) West Africa.
The announcement, made over the weekend via SMP’s official Instagram page, marks a significant milestone in Chimezie’s illustrious career and signals a renewed global push for his iconic “Zigima Sound.”
“SMP is honored to announce the introduction of the legendary and extraordinary Bright Chimezie into the family,” the music publisher declared in a statement. “The creator of the Zigima Sound has joined Sony Music Publishing West Africa.”
The deal positions Chimezie, a towering figure in African music, alongside SMP’s roster of top African talents, including Wizkid, Tems, Sarkodie, Lojay, and Ladipoe, as the company aims to amplify his timeless catalog to new audiences worldwide.
The partnership comes on the heels of a viral moment that reignited interest in Chimezie’s music. In May 2025, Davido, one of Africa’s biggest music exports, publicly credited Chimezie’s 2018 album Because of English as the inspiration for his hit single “With You,” featuring Omah Lay, from his fifth studio album 5ive.
The acknowledgment sparked a resurgence of attention for the 64-year-old highlife icon, culminating in a heartfelt meeting between the two artists in Lagos on May 19. Videos of the encounter, which showed Chimezie arriving in a luxury car and sharing warm moments with Davido, went viral, with fans praising the younger artist for honoring a living legend.
Chimezie, known as the “Duke of African Music,” has been a trailblazer in the highlife genre for over four decades. His unique Zigima Sound—a vibrant fusion of traditional Igbo rhythms, highlife, and socially conscious lyrics—has resonated with audiences across Nigeria and beyond since the early 1980s.
Hits like “Because of English,” “Respect Africa,” and “Ube Nwanne” address themes of cultural identity, colonialism, and unity, often delivered with a touch of humor and infectious dance steps.
His 2018 track “Because of English,” which recounts a childhood experience of being punished for not speaking English in school, struck a chord with Davido, whose verse in “With You” echoes Chimezie’s lyrical style.
This is a necessary step to help preserve our traditional and cultural heritage for generations unborn, Chimezie said in a statement about the Sony deal. “I’ve always believed in the power of my music to unite and inspire, and I’m thrilled to work with a global partner like Sony Music Publishing to take Zigima to the world.”
Godwin Tom, Managing Director of Sony Music Publishing Nigeria, echoed this sentiment, describing Chimezie’s music as “a timeless and borderless cultural treasure” and expressing excitement about amplifying his legacy on a global scale.
The deal reflects Sony Music Publishing’s ongoing commitment to preserving Africa’s musical heritage while promoting its legends to new generations. Industry insiders suggest that Davido’s endorsement played a pivotal role in facilitating the partnership, with some fans on social media crediting the Afrobeats star’s influence for Chimezie’s renewed spotlight.
“Davido’s own no go ever lose,” one fan commented on Instagram, referencing the singer’s reputation for uplifting others. “As he honors this living legend, he’ll also grow old and be honored.” The collaboration has also sparked calls for a potential musical collaboration between Chimezie and Davido.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Legendary highlife musician Bright Chimezie has signed a landmark publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing West Africa, a move that amplifies his iconic Zigima Sound globally.
Sparked by Afrobeats star Davido’s public endorsement and their May 2025 meeting, the partnership highlights Chimezie’s enduring influence and Sony’s commitment to preserving Africa’s musical heritage. This deal ensures that the Duke of African Music’s timeless catalog will inspire new generations worldwide.
