Davido, after the success of his single ‘With You,’ a song he claimed was an inspiration from ‘Because of English,’ a classic high life song by Bright Chimezie, welcomed the original artist into his home as a gesture of appreciation.
However, beneath the celebration, questions linger about the legalities of the sample and whether Chimezie should be compensated for his contribution.
The song, a standout on Davido’s latest album ‘5ive,’ has amassed over 24 million streams on Spotify. Sampling is a cornerstone of modern music, allowing artists to weave pieces of the past into new creations. However, it comes with responsibilities.
Legally, artists must secure permission from the original copyright holders—here, Chimezie and his label, Rogers All Stars Nig Limited, which has championed highlife since the 1970s.
Ethically, it is about giving credit and fair reward to those whose work paved the way. While Davido’s invitation to Chimezie was a heartfelt nod, some Afrobeats fans feel it doesn’t address the need for proper compensation.
X users like @ikukuomaC argue that Chimezie should be paid, stating, “He should get his Royalties while he is doing this.” This got a mixed response on whether it was a sample, or Davido and Omah Lay were just inspired by Chimezie’s work.
George Obialeri, also known as Mr Cizzle, said, “Davido’s ‘With You’ is an incredible song, but I am not entirely sure if what we hear qualifies as direct sampling.”
“It feels more like a deliberate homage to Bright Chimezie’s style, evident in Davido’s vocal cadence and phrasing. Even Omah Lay’s verse carries echoes of classic highlife influences. That said, the distinction between sampling and inspiration can sometimes be blurred, especially when an artist’s delivery channels another’s work.”
Mr Cizzle
Cizzle went on to say that an artist of Davido’s stature likely has a diligent team to handle legalities, ensuring all parties are properly credited and compensated, whether through upfront agreements or royalties. “While the inclusion of Bright Chimezie in the video is a welcome nod to his legacy, transparency about the financial or contractual arrangements would set a positive precedent for how younger artists engage with pioneers,” Cizzle added.
Beyond the legalities, Davido’s use of Chimezie’s highlife sound marks a pioneering moment.
“Sampling Igbo highlife feels inevitable, especially given its resurgence in contemporary Afrobeats. Burna Boy, Rema, and others have demonstrated how revisiting classics can yield massive success, both creatively and commercially.”
Mr Cizzle
However, Cizzle warned that while this trend celebrates Nigeria’s rich musical heritage, there’s a growing concern about over-reliance on sampling as a shortcut for creativity. He said the key is balance: honouring the past without stifling innovation.
‘With You’ doesn’t just borrow from the past—it revitalises it, merging the soulful melodies of highlife with Afrobeats’ infectious energy. This fusion could spark a resurgence of interest in highlife, offering veterans like Chimezie new opportunities such as re-releases of their classics, remixes, or even collaborations with contemporary stars.
Davido Responds To Tribal Criticism
The afrobeats superstar publicly identified as Igbo by blood, pushing back against tribal sentiments expressed by a social media user.
The singer made the statement in response to a post on X (formerly Twitter) from a user who warned him against associating closely with people of Igbo descent.
The user, identified as Yakbel, claimed that Davido, a Yoruba man, could face betrayal from his Igbo associates, suggesting that his affiliations could end badly.
“Davido just dey carry Ibo full body, until when dem betray am before e rest. Yoruba boy dey frolick with Igbos in 2025, they want your head and everything you have to belong to them. You can never satisfy Igbos. Ibos are not people you surround yourself with as a Yoruba man.”
Yakbel
In a sharp but calm response, Davido dismissed the divisive rhetoric, tweeting: “Lol. I am Igbo by blood.”
The statement has since sparked conversation online, with many commending the artist for rising above tribal bias and embracing his heritage.
Davido, who hails from Osun State, has long been known for his multicultural associations and collaborations across Nigeria’s ethnic spectrum.
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