Highlife legend Bright Chimezie has debunked the widespread notion that alcohol or smoking enhances creativity, describing such claims as a dangerous myth that has misled younger artists. Speaking on the CreativTea Podcast, the iconic “Because of English” crooner declared that true artistry flows from natural inspiration, not substances.
Chimezie, who has spent over four decades shaping Nigeria’s highlife sound, argued that many entertainers hide behind smoking and drinking as an excuse for indulgence. “The claims that you need to drink or smoke to get music inspiration is false. If you are drinking or smoking, you are just having fun. That doesn’t mean it will boost your creativity,” he said.
He warned that attaching music creation to intoxicants risks trapping young talents in harmful lifestyles that shorten careers and destroy lives. According to him, substance use has been glamorized in some quarters of the industry, but history shows that the most enduring musicians rely on discipline, practice, and clear vision.
Chimezie stressed that music, like all art, is spiritual and deeply rooted in culture, experiences, and divine inspiration. “Songs come naturally. You could be walking, resting, praying, or even listening to silence, and the rhythm drops in. That’s the gift of creativity—it doesn’t need a stimulant,” he explained.
His comments come amid rising concerns about drug and alcohol use in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, where stars like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Naira Marley have openly referenced smoking in their lyrics, often fueling debates on its influence on younger fans. Public health experts warn that the normalization of such habits among celebrities sends the wrong message to impressionable audiences.
Bright Chimezie, who remains an active performer at 64, said the next generation of artists must prioritize healthy living if they want to achieve longevity. He pointed to legendary figures like King Sunny Ade and Onyeka Onwenu, whose discipline has kept them relevant for decades without relying on substance abuse narratives.
He concluded by urging fans to embrace musicians who promote positivity and reject the glorification of lifestyles that bring more harm than art. “Music is medicine. Let it heal and inspire, not destroy,” he said firmly.
