Veteran Nigerian highlife musician Bright Chimezie has released an acoustic rendition of his four-decade-old classic, ‘Because of English’, following the song’s recent revival in the mainstream music scene.
Known for his signature Zigima sound, Chimezie has long blended entertainment with social commentary, crafting songs that are both engaging and enduring. In this stripped-down version, he revisits one of his most poignant themes, the quiet shame and cultural dislocation tied to colonial-era language enforcement.
Originally celebrated for its witty yet pointed critique, Because of English now trades the rhythmic bounce of highlife for raw acoustic strings, amplifying the emotional depth of its lyrics. It transforms into a melodic protest and an introspective reckoning that honours indigenous languages while challenging conventional ideas of identity and expression.
“Because of English, my teacher punished me,” Chimezie sings now, heard as both a reflective memory and a timely cultural wake-up call.
The acoustic version resonates across generations, serving as both a personal monologue and a cultural mirror. For younger listeners, it offers an introduction to a classic; for long-time fans, a fresh perspective on a timeless message.
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The renewed interest in the track follows its sampling by Davido on With You, a collaborative track featuring Omah Lay from Davido’s fifth studio album, 5ive. The album has enjoyed considerable commercial success, with With You credited for reigniting public interest in Chimezie’s classic.
This revival also highlights a growing trend within Afrobeats, as contemporary stars continue to draw from Nigeria’s rich musical archive, reimagining and celebrating the legacy of pioneers like Bright Chimezie.
Chimezie’s latest release serves as both a tribute to cultural resilience and a subtle call to action, encouraging other musical veterans to revisit and reimagine their earlier works for a new generation of listeners.