Veteran highlife musician Bright Chimezie, popularly known as Okoro Junior, has been celebrated by fans and colleagues as he marks his 66th birthday on Nigeria’s Independence Day, October 1.
Chimezie shared photographs of himself in traditional attire on Instagram, thanking God for the gift of life and His grace. His post attracted goodwill messages from entertainers and fans, including Basketmouth, Cubana Chief Priest and actor Chinedu Ikedieze, who hailed the singer’s longevity and contribution to Nigerian music.
Born in Umuogba Ekeoba, Umuahia, Abia State, in 1960, Chimezie began his musical journey as a church chorister and instrumentalist at age 10. He rose to prominence in the 1980s with his distinctive Zigima Sound, a blend of Igbo highlife, traditional rhythms, humour and social commentary. His 1984 debut album, Respect Africa, featured the popular song “Because of English.”
Chimezie has recently enjoyed renewed attention after Davido revealed that “Because of English” inspired his hit song “With You,” later featuring Chimezie in its music video with Omah Lay. The veteran also signed a publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing West Africa in 2025 and was honoured at a highlife legends concert in Port Harcourt before performing at Felabration in Lagos.
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