Veteran Nigerian highlife musician Bright Chimezie has signed a landmark publishing agreement with Sony Music Publishing, a move aimed at preserving and expanding the reach of his iconic music.
The deal, announced on Friday, grants Sony Music Publishing the rights to administer and manage the 64-year-old artist’s extensive catalogue of compositions and recordings. This strategic partnership is designed to reintroduce Chimezie’s signature “Zigima Sound” to audiences around the world.
Mr. Godwin Tom, managing director of Sony Music Publishing Nigeria, described the development as a significant moment for African music.
“Bright Chimezie’s music has endured through generations and continues to resonate across diverse cultures,” he said. “We are honoured to welcome his remarkable catalogue into our family and look forward to creating new avenues that celebrate his enduring impact on African music.”
Chimezie, a musical legend with over four decades of influence, is known for blending traditional highlife rhythms with socially conscious lyrics, a fusion that birthed the Zigima Sound. His work has played a central role in shaping the evolution of modern highlife and Afrobeat.
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In his reaction to the agreement, the artist expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to share his music on a global scale.
“This marks an important step towards preserving our traditional and cultural heritage for generations to come. I have always believed in the power of music to inspire and unite, and I am thrilled to work with a global platform like Sony Music Publishing to take Zigima to the world,” he said.
Sony Music Publishing highlighted the deal on Instagram, sharing images of Chimezie and celebrating his legacy:
“SMP is honored to announce the introduction of the Legendary and extraordinary Bright Chimezie into the family. Known for his vibrant style, infectious rhythms, and the creation of the Zigima Sound, Bright Chimezie is a towering figure in African music. With a career spanning over four decades, his influence remains pivotal in the evolution of modern highlife and Afrobeat.
The partnership aims to introduce his timeless music to new generations of fans around the globe, while ensuring his creative legacy is properly protected and promoted.
Welcome to the SMP train the Duke of African Music!”
Sony also made a joint post with the artist, writing:
“The creator of the Zigima sound has joined the SMP! Get ready for more exciting things with Bright Chimezie because we are about to turn the heat up!”
Chimezie echoed his excitement on Facebook, stating:
“Proud to announce that I was just inducted into Sony Music Publishing, West Africa family.”
This new chapter follows a recent visit by Chimezie to Afrobeats sensation Davido. The pop star had paid tribute to the highlife icon by sampling Chimezie’s 1980s classic Because of English on his song With You, which features Omah Lay.
