“The Grass Isn’t Greener”: Bright Chimezie Urges Nigerians to Rethink the ‘Japa’ Craze

Nigerian highlife legend Bright Chimezie has joined the growing list of public figures urging Nigerians to think twice before jumping on the “Japa” train — the mass exodus of citizens seeking greener pastures abroad. In a thought-provoking reflection, the veteran musician, fondly known as “Okoro Junior,” argued that the supposed better life overseas is often a mirage, warning that too many Nigerians are chasing illusions while neglecting the rich opportunities that exist within their own borders.

In a recent interview, the “Ube Nwanne” crooner painted a vivid picture of the harsh reality many encounter after migrating. According to him, many Nigerians believe that stepping foot in Europe or America automatically guarantees success and comfort, but they are often met with the opposite — a humbling struggle for survival. “Our problem is right here. We keep helping people over there because we think the grass is greener on the other side. But it’s not,” he said with conviction. “I’ve travelled quite a bit, and I can tell you there are no more opportunities there. When you get there, you start from the bottom, sometimes even washing toilets just to survive.”

Chimezie’s words strike a deep chord at a time when thousands of young Nigerians are leaving the country every month, disillusioned by economic hardship, insecurity, and unemployment. The “Japa” movement has become both a dream and a desperate escape plan for many, often glamorized on social media with images of success stories and happy reunions abroad. Yet, beneath the glitter, the reality is often much darker — long hours at menial jobs, emotional isolation, and the painful realization that life abroad comes with its own unique set of struggles.

The singer, who is known for his positive outlook and advocacy for cultural pride, expressed disappointment that so many Nigerians have come to view their homeland as a wasteland, unworthy of their talents or dreams. He traced this mindset back to the lingering psychological effects of colonialism, which, according to him, left deep scars on how Nigerians perceive themselves and their nation. “When the white people came, it affected our mentality and development. If we studied biology and mathematics with the same passion we use to read the Bible, our society would be far better,” he lamented.

Chimezie’s statement resonates beyond just the issue of migration; it touches on a broader social consciousness — a call for Nigerians to reclaim their confidence, identity, and sense of purpose. His remarks point to the uncomfortable truth that while many citizens are desperate to escape the system, few are willing to stay and rebuild it. His words echo the wisdom of someone who has seen both sides of the world and understands that comfort does not necessarily come from changing one’s location but from transforming one’s mindset.

For decades, Bright Chimezie has represented a brand of highlife music rooted in cultural authenticity and moral commentary. Through songs like “African Style” and “Respect Africa,” he has consistently preached self-worth, positivity, and the beauty of African identity. His stance on the “Japa” trend, therefore, aligns with his lifelong message: that Africans, and Nigerians in particular, must rediscover pride in their roots and stop measuring their success by Western standards.

In recent years, the “Japa” phenomenon has created mixed feelings across Nigeria. While some view migration as a necessary response to the nation’s worsening economy, others, like Chimezie, believe it represents a collective failure to believe in Nigeria’s potential. The veteran’s comments mirror growing concerns among thought leaders and cultural icons who fear that the continued brain drain could cripple the nation’s development. Doctors, engineers, creatives, and entrepreneurs — the very people needed to rebuild the nation — are leaving in droves, taking with them the hope of a better future.

Chimezie’s reflection on his personal travels further gives weight to his argument. Having experienced life abroad himself, he speaks from knowledge rather than theory. “When you get there, you start from the bottom,” he emphasized, describing how many Nigerians who once lived comfortably at home find themselves doing menial jobs just to survive overseas. His description captures the silent reality of countless migrants who work tirelessly under harsh conditions, sending money back home to sustain relatives who often imagine them living luxurious lives.

His criticism of Nigeria’s colonial hangover also adds a profound layer to his message. For Chimezie, the issue is not just economic but psychological. The enduring belief that everything foreign is better — from products to education and lifestyles — has made Nigerians undervalue their homegrown systems and innovations. He suggests that this misplaced faith in the West has slowed Nigeria’s growth by discouraging investment, creativity, and national pride. His striking comparison between the zeal Nigerians devote to religion and the effort they put into science and education is both an indictment and a wake-up call. “If we studied biology and mathematics with the same passion we use to read the Bible, our society would be far better,” he said, highlighting the imbalance between spiritual devotion and intellectual pursuit.

Across social media, Chimezie’s remarks have sparked widespread debate. Some Nigerians applaud his courage to speak the truth, agreeing that life abroad is not the paradise it appears to be. Others argue that his advice comes from a place of privilege, pointing out that the economic realities in Nigeria leave many people with no choice but to seek better lives elsewhere. Yet, even among critics, there is acknowledgment of the wisdom in his call for self-reflection — that perhaps the greatest change Nigerians can make is internal, not geographical.

Bright Chimezie’s message arrives at a crucial moment in Nigeria’s history, as the country grapples with youth frustration, unemployment, and the erosion of hope. His words challenge the next generation to shift their perspective — to see Nigeria not as a prison but as a field of untapped potential. It is a call for innovation, patriotism, and the rediscovery of self-belief. In an age where “Japa” has become the new anthem, his voice cuts through the noise, reminding Nigerians that the solution to their problems may not lie in foreign lands but within their own soil.

For a man whose career has spanned over four decades, Chimezie’s consistency in preaching self-reliance and cultural pride is remarkable. His advice is not born out of ignorance of the country’s challenges but from a deep understanding that running away does not necessarily equate to progress. As he continues to inspire through his words and music, the veteran’s message remains simple yet profound: the grass is not always greener on the other side — sometimes, it’s just better watered.