Fans and colleagues of veteran highlife musician Bright Chimezie, popularly known as Okoro Junior, have celebrated him with goodwill messages as he marks his 66th birthday.
Chimezie’s birthday coincides with Nigeria’s Independence Day, celebrated annually on Oct. 1.
The singer shared photographs of himself in traditional attire on his official Instagram page, expressing gratitude to God for the gift of life and His grace.
“Today, I clock 66. I am grateful to God for the gift of life and for His grace. The Ziggima Engine revs on!” he wrote.
His post attracted birthday messages from entertainers, colleagues and fans, who celebrated his longevity and contribution to Nigerian music.
Chimezie was born in Umuogba Ekeoba, Umuahia, Abia State, on Oct. 1, 1960. He began his musical journey as a church chorister and instrumentalist at age 10.
He gained national recognition in the 1980s through his distinctive Zigima Sound, which blended highlife, traditional rhythms, humour and social commentary.
He released his debut album, “Respect Africa,” in 1984, featuring the popular song “Because of English”, which became one of the songs associated with his rise to prominence.
Chimezie’s music received renewed attention after Afrobeats star Davido disclosed in May 2025 that his hit song “With You” was inspired by “Because of English”.
The veteran singer later featured in the music video for “With You”, alongside Omah Lay, following his meeting with Davido in Lagos.
In June 2025, Chimezie signed a publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing West Africa, expanding the international publishing prospects for his music catalogue.
In September 2025, he was honoured alongside other highlife icons at the South East and South South Highlife Legendary Concert and Awards in Port Harcourt.
He also performed at the 2025 Felabration in Lagos alongside Femi Kuti, Made Kuti, Reminisce and Terry Apala, among others.
Chimezie is acclaimed for pioneering the Zigima Sound, a blend of traditional Igbo highlife, African rhythms and chanted vocals.
