Bright Chimezie, Nigeria’s legendary social storyteller and highlife maestro, has spent decades masterfully transforming history into harmony. Renowned for his iconic Zigima sound, he artfully weaves laughter, astute critique, and irresistible groove into songs that consistently transcend fleeting trends. Now, Chimezie revisits one of his most powerful and poignant tales, “Because of English,” stripping it down to a compelling acoustic rendition that resonates even closer to the heart.
Originally a witty yet incisive commentary on colonial-era language shaming, “Because of English” recounts a deeply personal moment from Chimezie’s school days: his humiliation and punishment for the simple act of asking, “Chinyere, nyem pencil mu o?” (Chinyere, give me my pencil) in his native Igbo.
The new acoustic version profoundly amplifies the song’s emotional weight. Trading the buoyant guitars typically associated with highlife for raw, resonant strings, the result is a hauntingly beautiful protest. Every deliberate pluck of the instrument echoes the experiences of generations of children who were compelled to abandon their mother tongues.
Bright Chimezie’s unparalleled storytelling is on full display here, where music seamlessly meets monologue, and laughter gives way to thoughtful reflection. Beneath the chuckles and engaging narrative lies a profound message: our languages, and by extension, our identities, are intrinsically important. When he sings the poignant line, “Because of English, my teacher punished me,” it serves as both a nostalgic throwback to a shared past and a powerful wake-up call for the present.
“Because of English” (Acoustic Version) is available now on all major streaming platforms.
