Bright Chimezie’s ‘Because of English’ Makes Spotify Top 100 Debut After 41 Years

Nigerian highlife legend Bright Chimezie’s 1984 classic, “Because of English,” has made its debut on the Spotify Nigeria Top 100 chart at No. 99, 41 years after its original release. This unexpected resurgence is attributed to Afrobeats superstar Davido, who cited the track as a key inspiration for his recent hit single, “With You,” featuring Omah Lay.

Bright Chimezie, known as the pioneer of the Zigima Sound, introduced this unique blend of traditional Igbo highlife and funk in the early 1980s. His music, characterized by chanted vocals and socially conscious lyrics, resonated with themes of cultural identity and societal issues. “Because of English” stands out as one of his most iconic tracks, reflecting the challenges and nuances of language and communication in Nigerian society.

In May 2025, Davido released “With You,” a track that pays homage to the classic “Because of English.” Produced by Tempoe, “With You” combines elements of highlife and funk, reminiscent of the sound that Chimezie popularized. The song’s success was swift, amassing nearly 5 million streams in its first week on Spotify Nigeria and topping the TurnTable Top 100 chart.

The collaboration between Davido and Chimezie extended beyond music. The two artists met in Lagos, where they discussed their shared musical influences and the evolution of Nigerian sound. This meeting sparked a renewed interest in Chimezie’s work, leading to “Because of English” charting on Spotify Nigeria’s Top 100 for the first time.

The revival of “Because of English” is part of a broader trend where contemporary Nigerian artists are drawing inspiration from past musical icons. In 2024, Tems sampled Seyi Sodimu’s 1997 classic “Love Me Jeje” for her Grammy-winning song of the same title, and Asake incorporated elements of Jazzman Olofin and Adewale Ayuba’s “Raise The Roof” into his track “Active” featuring Travis Scott.

This resurgence highlights the enduring influence of Nigerian music legends and their continued relevance in today’s musical landscape. Bright Chimezie’s “Because of English” serves as a testament to the timeless nature of authentic Nigerian sound and its ability to inspire new generations of artists and listeners alike.