Davido has finally hosted Bright Chimezie, the veteran Nigerian highlife singer, in Lagos, marking a heartfelt moment of intergenerational musical appreciation.
On Friday, Chimezie expressed his gratitude to Davido for crediting his 2010 hit single Because of English in With You, Davido’s collaborative track with Omah Lay. In a joyful clip, the highlife legend danced to the song, visibly moved by the tribute.
Davido, in turn, thanked Chimezie for being a long-standing inspiration and shared his excitement at finally meeting the veteran in person.
In an Instagram post on Monday, the With You hitmaker shared a video showing Chimezie arriving at his location in a luxury car. The veteran singer was warmly welcomed and ushered into what appeared to be a restaurant, where they spent time together chatting, laughing, and singing along to some of his classic tracks.
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” — bears a close resemblance to Chimezie’s original lyrics, serving as a creative homage to his iconic style and message.
This heartfelt gesture follows a growing trend of contemporary entertainers reconnecting with veteran musicians. In July 2024, comedian Brain Jotter visited highlife legend Mike ‘Gentleman’ Ejeagha after using his song Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche in a viral dance skit, sparking renewed interest in the classic.
Davido’s meeting with Chimezie not only bridges generations but also reinforces the importance of acknowledging musical forebears in the evolving Nigerian soundscape.