By Tony ONYIMA
In a powerful display of how collaboration and strategic leveraging can redefine destinies, Nigerian Afrobeat star Davido has helped highlife veteran Bright Chimezie secure a multi-billion naira publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing, a development that is being hailed as a career-defining moment for the music legend.
The partnership, now official, was facilitated by Davido after he sampled one of Bright Chimezie’s classic songs, invited him into his creative space, and introduced his legacy to a new generation of listeners. What followed was a whirlwind of renewed interest, visibility, and ultimately, a global publishing deal that will see Chimezie’s catalogue reach wider audiences and generate significant income from royalties and licensing.
This remarkable turn of events illustrates the exact concept of “co-signing”— when an established artist uses their platform to spotlight another talent, especially one who may have been underappreciated or forgotten. In the music industry, a co-sign can open doors, which money and effort alone may not.
Davido’s gesture wasn’t just a nod to musical heritage; it was an act of cultural stewardship and strategic alliance. It demonstrates how leveraging one’s platform for others can create a generational impact. Bright Chimezie, a pioneer of the “Zigima Sound,” now finds himself at the centre of international attention, decades after first making waves in Nigeria.
This story is not just about fame, it’s about the transforming power of collaboration, visibility, and influence. Davido didn’t just remix a sound; he reactivated a legacy. And for Bright Chimezie, the reward isn’t just recognition, it’s prosperity, purpose, and proof that one good co-sign can change everything.
