Nigerian Highlife legend, Bright Chimezie, has revealed that he wasn’t aware that Davido sampled his record in the viral hit single.
He mentioned, while speaking at the video shoot of Davido’s ‘With You’ featuring Omah Lay.
He added that it was not until the Afrobeats hitmaker called his attention to this that he became aware that his 41-year-old classic ‘Because of English’ was one of the inspirations for the track.
“I am so delighted. I feel honoured. I am grateful to Davido for recognising the fact that he drew inspiration from me. I didn’t even know. He was the one who called and confessed to me, ‘Daddy, this is what I did.’ His humility and everything made me so happy about it.”
Bright Chimezie
The legend further added that he has plans to release new music. This comes after he recently penned a publishing deal with Sony Music’s West Africa arm.
“We have so many songs to record. In fact, we were in the studio before David called, so we are in the business.”
Bright Chimezie
Davidio’s sampling of ‘Because of English’ led to a renewed interest in the song, which recently entered the Spotify viral chart 41 years after its release.
The song, produced by super producer Tempoe, is one of the songs off Davido’s recently released fifth album ‘5ive’. It combined the melodic fusion of Highlife and Funk, popularised in the 1970s and 80s in Nigeria by stars like Bright Chimezie, to deliver a record that is now a fan favourite.
The Afrobeats singer recently hosted Chimezie in Lagos in the company of some friends and associates. The feast drew praise from fans who commended Davido for showing appreciation for the work of the legendary musician, especially in an industry where many refuse to give credit.
Davido’s ‘With You’ joins a growing list of songs from Afrobeats stars who are inspired by classic Nigerian music.
Ananzo Clarifies Rumours on $5,000 Promise from Davido
Popular Ghanaian TikTok creator Ananzo, best known as the ‘washing bay promoter,’ finally addressed the rumours surrounding the $5,000 reportedly promised to him by Nigerian singer and billionaire David Adeleke, also known as Davido.
In a video shared on social media, the washing bay promoter clarified that he hasn’t gotten feedback from the singer and his team, but he still remains optimistic.
“We are getting to 1 million because of the exposure Davido has given us. I am very grateful for the exposure, the money, which is $5,000, is a promise. The money is not yet in.
“But the money is not the issue. But the exposure, bro. Bro, the exposure. I now have a fan base in Nigeria. People hold my banner, people hold the brand, people look up to me. Just me, an ordinary washing bay boy. Because of Davido. It is because of his repost…”
Ananzo
Netizens reacted to Ananzo clarifying the $5,000 Davido promise.
“He use style dey complain 😂😂😂… OBO do the needful.”
@rico_chico7
“’The money is not the issue’ yet ur man talk abt am teyyyyyy 😂😂😂😂 de money be de issue so talk am straight make dem give you guy.”
@MajidCarlos
“Davido did the best anyone could ever have done for him.”
@PromzyKingston
“This is someone who appreciates people for what they do for him. He cares less about the money because with the exposure given to him by Davido, he can earn more than the 5k. Credible relationship will open doors.”
@Eddyk4real
Meanwhile, the Ghanaian TikTok sensation and washing bay worker, Ananzo, publicly thanked Nigerian influencer VeryDarkMan for helping him connect with music star Davido.
Ananzo expressed his gratitude to Very Dark Man on social media, acknowledging his help in making the connection and praising him for his support.
