Smoking and Drinking Kill Talent, They Don’t Build It — Bright Chimezie Speaks on the Myths of Creativity

Highlife music veteran Bright Chimezie has delivered a striking message to young people and aspiring creatives, shattering what he calls the dangerous myth that smoking or drinking can somehow enhance creativity. The energetic performer, popularly known as the “Zigima Sound” maestro, stated categorically that indulging in alcohol or cigarettes does not elevate artistic inspiration but instead damages the body, dulls the mind, and destroys the longevity of talent. Speaking with his usual wit and spirited conviction, Chimezie dismissed the long-standing perception that substance use has any connection to brilliance in the arts, insisting that true creativity stems from discipline, passion, and a clear mind. According to him, history may be filled with stories of musicians, actors, and writers who were associated with smoking or drinking, but their talent did not come from the substances—they only endured despite them, often paying a heavy price in health and personal life.

The singer, who has built a reputation not only for his unique sound but also for his moral and cultural advocacy, emphasized that the creative process requires clarity of thought, not a clouded mind. “If you are a writer, a musician, or an artist, your imagination is your strongest tool,” he noted. “When you cloud it with alcohol or nicotine, you weaken it, you don’t strengthen it.” He described smoking and drinking as traps that ensnare young people with promises of heightened performance or relaxation but end up causing dependency, poor health, and a loss of focus. His remarks come at a time when conversations about the lifestyle of entertainers, particularly in Nigeria, continue to make headlines. With the music industry booming and younger stars often flaunting bottles, glasses, and cigarettes in their videos or public appearances, Bright Chimezie’s words strike as both a caution and a challenge to the rising generation.

For many years, the highlife legend has embodied an alternative narrative, maintaining a healthy, clean lifestyle and still performing energetically on stage even as he grows older. Fans often marvel at his agility and vocal strength, attributes he credits to discipline, exercise, and a conscious rejection of destructive habits. In his view, many young creatives mistakenly believe they need stimulants to cope with pressure, deal with stage fright, or spark ideas. But Chimezie argued that these are myths perpetuated by peer influence and the glamorous but misleading images presented in the media. He stressed that hard work, constant practice, and a commitment to growth are the only true enhancers of creativity.

He further explained that creativity is a natural flow of ideas that can be nurtured through reading, observing life, reflecting deeply, and staying connected to culture and humanity. “When you listen to great music or watch an inspiring performance, you are moved not because the person smoked or drank before performing, but because they dedicated themselves to their craft,” he said. “That is where the power lies. Talent must be sharpened with discipline, not destroyed with habits that shorten your life.” His statements echo the concerns of many health experts and social commentators who have long warned that the glorification of smoking and drinking in entertainment has a damaging effect on young fans who imitate their idols. In Nigeria and across the world, the link between substance use and the creative industry has been a persistent issue, with many stars battling addiction, health crises, or even early deaths. Bright Chimezie’s rejection of this narrative adds weight to the voices urging a change in perception.

The singer’s legacy of clean living serves as a practical testimony. Unlike many of his peers who succumbed to lifestyle diseases, Chimezie has continued to appear vibrant and active, performing his evergreen hits with the same zest that earned him fame decades ago. His iconic Zigima dance moves, which combine humor, storytelling, and energetic rhythms, remain a cultural treasure, and he attributes his enduring strength to shunning substances that weaken the body. He advised young creatives to remember that their art has the power to inspire generations, but only if they preserve their lives long enough to make an impact. “You can’t be great if you are gone too soon,” he warned, stressing that addiction often cuts short promising careers.

In addressing the glamorization of alcohol and cigarettes in entertainment, Bright Chimezie also urged industry stakeholders to take responsibility. He believes record labels, event organizers, and media platforms should not encourage harmful habits by making them appear fashionable. Instead, he called for the promotion of healthier lifestyles and positive role models who show that success can be achieved without destructive vices. He recalled his own early days in the music industry, when pressure and peer influence could easily have led him astray. But his deep cultural values and commitment to staying true to himself helped him resist the temptations that many young entertainers fall into.

Bright Chimezie’s remarks also resonate with wider societal concerns. Nigeria, like many countries, struggles with rising cases of substance abuse among the youth, often linked to unemployment, peer pressure, and the influence of celebrities. While policymakers and health agencies campaign against drug and alcohol abuse, the words of a respected entertainer like Chimezie carry the power to influence young minds more directly. His insistence that creativity thrives on discipline rather than intoxication reframes the conversation and provides a healthier blueprint for aspiring talents.

The veteran’s philosophy can be summed up in his belief that life itself is a performance that demands preparation, clarity, and focus. Just as a musician must tune his instruments before playing, so must individuals keep their bodies and minds free from toxins in order to perform at their best. For him, creativity is a sacred gift, and to waste it under the influence of substances is both tragic and unnecessary. He concluded his message with a reminder that natural joy, cultural pride, and dedication to one’s craft are far more powerful than any bottle or stick could ever be.

Bright Chimezie’s voice rings with the authority of experience, having lived through decades of changing musical trends while staying true to his values. In an era where many young people believe shortcuts or artificial stimulants can spark genius, his words serve as both a warning and an inspiration. To him, the formula is simple: eat healthy, exercise, keep your mind sharp, and pour your energy into perfecting your art. Creativity, he insists, is already within—it does not need to be lit by smoke or drowned in drink.