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Davido Reveals the Person Inspiring Him the Most — Bright Chimezie’s Highlife Legacy Lives On
Why Davido Says Bright Chimezie Inspired "With You" — A Tribute to Highlife's Influence on Afrobeats
In a warm exchange that delighted music lovers across Nigeria, Afrobeats megastar Davido publicly acknowledged veteran highlife legend Bright Chimezie as an inspiration behind his recent hit single "With You." Below we unpack what happened, why it matters, and how this moment highlights the connection between classic highlife and contemporary Afrobeats.
The moment that made headlines
Earlier this year Davido revealed — in posts and interviews shared online — that his viral single "With You" (featuring Omah Lay) drew inspiration from Bright Chimezie’s classic sound and in particular his song often referred to as "Because of English." Davido followed up his public claim by reaching out to Chimezie, and the two later met in Lagos in a friendly, highly publicised encounter. 0
What Davido actually said
In short, Davido admitted that the sonic character of "With You" was inspired by elements in Bright Chimezie’s sound. He credited Chimezie for his influence and, according to reports, told the veteran how his classic track informed the feel of Davido’s own record. That admission arrived publicly via social posts and was later confirmed during their meeting. 1
“The latest hit I just did with Omah Lay, I used inspiration from your song, 'Because of English',” Davido is reported to have told Bright Chimezie. 2
Bright Chimezie’s reaction
Bright Chimezie has expressed humility and delight at Davido’s acknowledgement. In interviews and media statements the highlife star said he was initially unaware that his older record had been referenced — he learned about it when Davido called him — and he described the experience as both humbling and gratifying. Chimezie also praised Davido’s humility for reaching out and giving credit. 3
Why this matters for Nigerian music culture
This exchange is more than a celebrity photo-op. It underscores an important thread in Nigerian music: contemporary Afrobeats frequently borrows from and is indebted to older genres like highlife, juju and fuji. When a global star like Davido publicly credits a veteran, it helps renew interest in those earlier sounds and introduces them to younger listeners who may never have known the originals. Such cross-generational recognition can revive catalogs, boost streaming and create collaborations that celebrate musical lineage. 4
The sampling question — was it official?
Media coverage around the meeting mentioned that Davido acknowledged using inspiration from Chimezie’s music in "With You." Some outlets reported on the friendly meeting and Davido's promise to host the veteran, while others noted follow-up discussions about publishing, sampling credits and proper recognition. As with many modern songs that reference older work, the conversation often includes publishing deals, royalties or formal clearances — topics music fans and industry watchers keep an eye on. 5
Fan reaction and social media buzz
The internet reacted strongly — many fans praised Davido for being open about his influences, while others celebrated Bright Chimezie for his enduring legacy. The moment trended across platforms and was covered by top Nigerian outlets, fueling discussions about musical inheritance, respect for elders and the value of naming influences out loud. 6
Quick recap: facts you can rely on
- Davido publicly said that Bright Chimezie’s song influenced his track "With You." 7
- Bright Chimezie confirmed he was humbled by the acknowledgment and that Davido had contacted him. 8
- The meeting between Davido and Chimezie in Lagos was reported and shared widely by Nigerian media. 9
- Reports mention further industry follow-ups (publishing/crediting) as part of the aftermath. 10
What to watch next
Keep an eye on official credits for "With You" (album liner notes, streaming metadata) and any statements from Davido’s team or Bright Chimezie’s representatives about publishing or royalties. Those primary documents will show whether the connection remains an artistic nod or becomes a formal sample/credit. For now, the story is a welcome reminder of how older sounds continue to shape Afrobeats’ global rise. 11
Final thoughts
In an era when young artists sometimes shy away from admitting their influences, Davido’s public nod to Bright Chimezie felt refreshingly honest. Beyond the headlines, moments like this help preserve musical history and give legends their deserved spotlight. Whether you’re a fan of highlife, Afrobeats or both, this exchange is a beautiful chapter in the ongoing story of Nigerian music.
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