Highlife icon Bright Chimezie has officially joined Sony Music Publishing (SMP) West Africa, just two weeks after a widely celebrated meeting with Afrobeats megastar Davido—a moment that industry insiders say paved the way for the landmark signing.
Sony Music made the announcement on Saturday, June 15, via its verified Instagram account, describing Chimezie as a “legendary and extraordinary” addition to their global publishing family. The post read: “SMP is honored to announce the introduction of the Legendary and extraordinary Bright Chimezie into the family. The creator of the Zigma sound has joined the Sony Music Publishing (SMP) West Africa.”
This major career move follows a nostalgic reunion in May between Chimezie and Davido, who publicly credited the veteran’s groundbreaking Zigma Sound as the inspiration behind his 2022 hit single “With You”, featuring Omah Lay. The meeting—captured in viral clips—rekindled attention around Chimezie’s musical legacy and set off rumors of a possible collaboration.
Sources close to Sony say the deal includes plans to digitally remaster and distribute Chimezie’s classic catalogue while creating cross-generational projects that fuse highlife with Afrobeats, street pop, and Amapiano—genres currently dominating West African charts.
Chimezie, now 63, is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s cultural treasures. He rose to fame in the 1980s with songs like “Ube Nwanne” and “Because of English,” blending Igbo folklore, satire, and socio-political commentary into a distinct sonic experience. His entry into the Sony fold signals a rising trend of legacy acts being rediscovered and monetized on global platforms.
This development also strengthens Davido’s growing reputation as a behind-the-scenes kingmaker in African music. Just days earlier, his former DMW signee, Mayorkun, revealed that Davido played a key role in helping him secure a deal with Sony Music. With this Chimezie deal, the superstar is once again at the center of a generational bridge.
Sony Music West Africa says more details about upcoming releases, collaborations, and international performances involving Chimezie will be announced in the coming weeks.
