Davido, after the success of his single ‘With You,’ a song he claimed was an inspiration from ‘Because of English,’ a classic high life song by Bright Chimezie, welcomed the original artist into his home as a gesture of appreciation. However, beneath the celebration, questions linger about the legalities of the sample and whether Chimezie should be compensated for his contribution.
The song, a standout on Davido’s latest album ‘5ive,’ has amassed over 24 million streams on Spotify. Sampling is a cornerstone of modern music, allowing artists to weave pieces of the past into new creations. However, it comes with responsibilities.
Legally, artists must secure permission from the original copyright holders—here, Chimezie and his label, Rogers All Stars Nig Limited, which has championed highlife since the 1970s.
Ethically, it is about giving credit and fair reward to those whose work paved the way. While Davido’s invitation to Chimezie was a heartfelt nod, some Afrobeats fans feel it doesn’t address the need for proper compensation.
X users like @ikukuomaC argue that Chimezie should be paid royalties, saying, “He should get his Royalties while he is doing this.” This got a mixed response to whether it was a sample, or Davido and Omah Lay were just inspired by Chimezie’s work.
George Obialeri, also known as Mr Cizzle, said, “Davido’s ‘With You’ is an incredible song, but I am not entirely sure if what we hear qualifies as direct sampling. It feels more like a deliberate homage to Bright Chimezie’s style, evident in Davido’s vocal cadence and phrasing. Even Omah Lay’s verse carries echoes of classic highlife influences. That said, the distinction between sampling and inspiration can sometimes be blurred, especially when an artist’s delivery channels another’s work.”
Read also: Here are Davido’s top ten songs on Spotify
Cizzle went on to say that an artist of Davido’s stature likely has a diligent team to handle legalities, ensuring all parties are properly credited and compensated, whether through upfront agreements or royalties.
“While the inclusion of Bright Chimezie in the video is a welcome nod to his legacy, transparency about the financial or contractual arrangements would set a positive precedent for how younger artists engage with pioneers,” Cizzle added.
Beyond the legalities, Davido’s use of Chimezie’s highlife sound marks a pioneering moment. He’s blending Igbo highlife with Afrobeats, much like Nigerian artists Asake and Seyi Vibez have fused Apala and Fuji into their music. This trend is a nod to Nigeria’s rich musical heritage, reintroducing traditional genres to a younger, global audience.
“Sampling Igbo highlife feels inevitable, especially given its resurgence in contemporary Afrobeats. Burna Boy, Rema, and others have demonstrated how revisiting classics can yield massive success, both creatively and commercially,” Cizzle said.
However, Cizzle warned that while this trend celebrates Nigeria’s rich musical heritage, there’s a growing concern about over-reliance on sampling as a shortcut for creativity. He said the key is balance: honouring the past without stifling innovation.
‘With You’ doesn’t just borrow from the past—it revitalises it, merging the soulful melodies of highlife with Afrobeats’ infectious energy. This fusion could spark a resurgence of interest in highlife, offering veterans like Chimezie new opportunities such as re-releases of their classics, remixes, or even collaborations with contemporary stars.
