Bright Chimezie

Last updated

Bright Chimezie (born 1 October 1960) [1] is a Nigerian musician known for his influential music style called Zigima Sound. Hailing from Abia State, Nigeria, Chimezie rose to fame in the early 1980s [2] with his unique blend of traditional Nigerian music, Igbo highlife, and chanted vocals. His music also addresses societal issues such as colonialism, economic exploitation, and cultural identity with a touch of humor in his lyrics. [3]

Contents

Bright Chimezie has released several notable songs, including "Ube Nwanne," "Because of English," "Respect Africa," and "African Style." His contribution to the promotion of African culture and values earned him the title "The Duke of African Music." He is also known for his dance steps. [4]

Early life

Bright Chimezie was born into the family of Reverend and Mrs. Ezekiel Iromuoh of Ekeoba village, Umuahia, the capital city of Abia State, southeastern Nigeria. Born on October 1, 1960. Bright Chimezie's musical journey began at the age of 7, when he joined his clan's cultural group, later becoming its leader. As a youngster, Bright Chimezie was deeply involved in the Methodist Church Ekeoba Choir, where he sang the alto part and participated in several performances and recordings.

After completing his primary education at Umuhu Central School, Umuahia, despite the challenges posed by the Civil War, Bright Chimezie continued his education at Ohuhu Community Secondary School in Amaogwugwu, Umuahia. During his time there, he led the school band and collaborated with other popular Eastern groups between 1974 and 1979. He also made his first television appearance in 1976 on an NTA show.

After completing secondary school in 1976, Chimezie joined the Modernized Odumodu Cultural Dance Group, which specialized in storytelling through music. The group gained popularity across eastern Nigeria until its disbandment in 1979.

In Lagos State, Chimezie joined the Nigerian Customs and Excise Dance Band, touring the country. In 1984, he departed from the Nigerian Customs and Excise Band to form "Ziggima," a music group that blended traditionally rooted African music with Igbo traditional musical elements and captivating dance steps. The name Ziggima derives from the Igbo expression "o zi gi ma," meaning "the message that you already know." [5]

Career

In 1984, Bright Chimezie, also known as Okoro Junior, introduced his Ziggima Movement to the music scene with their debut album, "Respect Africa." The album featured hit songs such as "Respect Africa," "Message Boy," "Liza," "Where is Love," and "Nnem Oma." He continued with another album in 1985 titled "Life of Yesterday." Throughout his career, Chimezie has released a total of eight albums.

Stage performances

He has performed in locations such as London, Austria, Brazil, and various other countries. Notably, Bright Chimezie represented Nigeria at the OPEC Cultural Festival held in Caracas, Venezuela, where he showcased the music and culture of his homeland. [6] He performed for Nelson Mandela [7] during the latter's visit to Nigeria upon his release from prison in 1992.

Awards and recognitions

He has picked up awards from institutions such as the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Tribune Chapter, in recognition of his musical achievements. Notably, he was bestowed with the title "Duke of African Music" by the royal father, Oba Omowonuola Oyeyede Oyeyonsin II, from Oyo State, southwestern Nigeria. [8]

Filmography

In addition to his musical endeavors, Bright Chimezie has made appearances in several Nigerian movies, including "Deadly Proposal," "Abuja Boys," and others.

Family

Bright Chimezie is married to Chinyere Chimezie, [9] and together they have five children, namely, [10] Kelechi, Chukwuemeka, Chukwudi, Chinemeze (Micheal), and Chidinma. [11]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Abia State</span> State of Nigeria

Abia State is a state in the South-East geopolitical zone of Nigeria, it is bordered to the northwest by Anambra State and northeast by the states of Enugu, and Ebonyi, Imo State to the west, Cross River State to the east, Akwa Ibom State to the southeast, and Rivers State to the south. Abia is the only Southeastern state that has boundaries with the other four Southeastern states in Nigeria. It takes its name from the acronym for four of the state's most populated regions: Aba, Bende, Isuikwuato, and Afikpo. The state capital is Umuahia while the largest city and commercial centre is Aba.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Umuahia</span> Capital city of Abia State, Nigeria

Umuahia is the capital city of Abia State in southeastern Nigeria. Umuahia is located along the rail road that lies between Port Harcourt to its south,and Enugu city to its north. Umuahia has a population of 359,230 according to the 2006 Nigerian census. Umuahia is indigenously Igbo.

Arochukwu Local Government Area, sometimes referred to as Arochuku or Aro Oke-Igbo, is the third largest local government area in Abia State in southeastern Nigeria and homeland of the Igbo subgroup, Aro people.

Orji Uzor Kalu is a Nigerian politician and businessman who is the senator representing Abia North Senatorial District. He served as governor of Abia State from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007. Kalu is the chairman of SLOK Holding and the Daily Sun and New Telegraph newspapers in Nigeria.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Theodore Orji</span> Nigerian politician (born 1950)

Theodore Ahamefule Orji is a Nigerian politician who served as the senator representing Abia Central senatorial district from 2015 to 2023. He previously served as the governor of Abia State from 2007 to 2015. He was formerly a career civil servant, and served as the chief of staff to Abia State Governor Orji Uzor Kalu.

Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe is a Nigerian politician who has served as the senator representing Abia South senatorial district since 2007. He previously served as deputy governor of Abia State from 1999 until his resignation and subsequent impeachment in March 2003. He was the minority leader in the 9th senate.

Ubakala is a large town in Umuahia South Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State, Nigeria. It is one of the major ancient clans of Umuahia. A popular market for which it is known is the Apumiri Market. Umuahia South Local Government Area Headquarters is located at Apumiri as well. Ubakala is situated southwards of Umuahia main township. Its well defined boundaries geographically places it at the North of Ntigha.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">9ice</span> Nigerian musician, songwriter and dancer (born 1980)

Alexander Abolore Adegbola Akande, better known as 9ice, is a Nigerian musician, songwriter and dancer. He is known for his powerful use of the Yoruba language in his music as well as his proverbial lyrics and unique style of delivery.

Ohafia is an Igbo town in the Ohafia local government area (LGA) in Abia State, Nigeria. It is an Igbo speaking region. The ancestral capital of Ohafia town is the centrally located village of Elu. Ohafia Local Government Area, is an administrative jurisdiction assigned by the Nigeria Government, which covers the entire Ohafia villages and other towns such as Abiriba and Nkporo, with its Administrative Headquarters at Ebem Ohafia.

Ikwuano is a Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. Its headquarters is in Isiala Oboro. The name 'Ikwuano' etymologically indicates that there are four different ancient kingdoms that make up the community called Ikwuano. These include Oboro, Ibere, Ariam/Usaka and Oloko.

Umudike is a semi-urban settlement in Oboro, Ikwuano Local Government Area in Abia State, Nigeria. It is about 11 kilometers southeast of Umuahia, the state's capital city. It is home to the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture and the National Root Crops Research Institute. Umudike is composed of two autonomous communities which are Umudike and Umudike Ukwu.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Basketmouth</span> Nigerian Comedian

Bright Okpocha, better known by his stage name Basketmouth, is a Nigerian comedian and actor. He has organized popular stand-up comedy concerts like Basketmouth Uncensored across the globe.

Igbo highlife is a contemporary musical genre which combines highlife and Igbo traditional music. It first started off in the southeast region of Nigeria, during the 1920s. The genre is primarily guitar-based music, with a rare characteristic blend of horns and vocal rhythms. Igbo highlife lyrics are sung mostly in Igbo with occasional infusion of Pidgin English. One of the most influential composers and performers of the music is Chief Stephen Osita Osadebe whose career spanned over 40 years. Osadebe's discography comprises numerous popular songs including the 1984 hit "Osondi Owendi" which launched him on the world stage as a pioneer of the Igbo highlife genre.

Azubuike Ihejirika, GSS psc(+) fwc fniqs is a retired Nigerian Army Lieutenant general and former Chief of Army Staff.

Okechukwu Edwards Ukeje, better known by his stage name Mr Raw, is a rapper from Abia State in Southeastern Nigeria. He is a pioneer of Igbo rap, a genre that now appeals to a broad, mainstream audience.

The South East is the one of the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria representing both a geographic and political region of the country's inland southeast. It comprises five states – Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chinedum Orji</span> Nigerian politician

Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji is a Nigerian politician and former member of parliament who represented Umuahia Central State Constituency. He served as the 11th Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly since June 10, 2019 till June 10, 2023. He was unanimously elected as the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly on the 10th of June, 2019 during the Inauguration of the 7th Abia State House of Assembly.

Ndoro is a town in Oboro, Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. It is about 16 km southeast from the state capital, Umuahia and is located along the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road.

Ahaba is a rural community in Oloko, Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria. Isiala Ahaba and Ahaba Ukwu are the autonomous communities of Ahaba. Ahaba is 23km south of Umuahia, Abia State's capital city.

References

  1. ↑ "Legendary singer Bright Chimezie celebrates son's graduation from law school". Punch Newspapers. 2021-07-28. Retrieved 2022-03-06.
  2. ↑ "FLASHBACK: The Originator Of Zigima Sound, Bright Chimezie". 9ja Happenings. Fola Akintomide. Archived from the original on 9 July 2015. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
  3. ↑ Ogbonna Amadi (23 April 2010). "Why I disappeared, Bright Chimezie speaks". Vanguard Newspaper . Retrieved 14 August 2016.
  4. ↑ "Bright Chimezie: Zigima Sound is Still Very Much Alive – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  5. ↑ Chiemeke, Jerry (2021-05-15). "Bright Chimezie, Former Church Instrumentalist Who Originated Zigima". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  6. ↑ Bright Chimezie's Live Performance at Benson & Hedges Concert (1999) , retrieved 2023-05-18
  7. ↑ Kizaro5 (2013-12-07). "This is Kizaro's Blog: Flashback: When Mandela Came To Town". This is Kizaro's Blog. Retrieved 2023-05-18.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  8. ↑ "Bright Chimezie biography, net worth, age, family, contact & picture". www.manpower.com.ng. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  9. ↑ Sadiq, Mobola (2021-10-02). "I feel good being Nigeria's birthday mate –Bright Chimezie". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  10. ↑ Ojoye, Taiwo (2018-03-11). "Dad's acrobatic dance steps can give one goosebumps - Bright chimezie's son". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  11. ↑ Olonilua, Ademola (2021-07-28). "Legendary singer Bright Chimezie celebrates son's graduation from law school". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2023-05-18.


Flag of Nigeria.svg Musical notes.svg

This article on a Nigerian musician is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.