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 @officialbrightchimezie, expressing gratitude to God for the gift of life and His grace.
... reads: “Today, I clock 66. I am grateful to God for the gift of life and for His grace. The Ziggima Engine revs on!”
His post swiftly attracted birthday messages from entertainers, colleagues and fans, who celebrated his longevity and contribution to Nigerian music.
@cubana_Chiefpriest wrote, “Happy birthday sir God bless you more, more life more wins”.
@basketmouth also wrote, “Happy Birthday sir. Wishing you the best today and forever”.
@brodrick042 noted the coincidence of Chimezie’s birthday with Nigeria’s Independence Day, writing, “Papa was born the same day naija got independent, more good life Legend”.
@chineduIkedieze described him as a legend, writing, “Happy birthday legend”.
@samkeysforex wrote, “Happy birthday, the African Music king BC aka Okoro Jr”.
@duma_photogallery wrote, “It was such a pleasure having this session with you, sir. Happy Birthday, sir”.
@pam cakes and foodies, celebrated Chimezie for sharing his birthday with Nigeria, saying, “Happy birthday to us!”
Chimezie was born at Umuogba Ekeoba in 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 “Because of English”, which became one of the songs associated with his rise to prominence.
Chimezie’s birthday comes after renewed attention to his music, following Afrobeats star Davido’s disclosure in May 2025 that his hit song “With You” was inspired by Chimezie’s “Because of English”.
The veteran singer later featured in the music video for “With You”, which also features Omah Lay, following his meeting with Davido in Lagos.
In June 2025, he signed a publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing West Africa, expanding the international publishing prospects for his music catalogue.
In September 2025, Chimezie 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, amongst others.
The highlife veteran is acclaimed for pioneering the Zigima sound, a blend of traditional Igbo highlife, African rhythms and chanted vocals.