Veteran highlife musician, Bright Chimezie, has urged Nigerians to rethink the growing “japa” trend, the rush to relocate abroad in search of better opportunities, arguing that the grass is not necessarily greener on the other side.
Speaking during an appearance on The Honest Bunch Podcast, Chimezie stressed that many Nigerians who migrate overseas often end up facing unexpected struggles, despite their high hopes for a better life.
“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. 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,” he said.
The African Style crooner emphasised that there are equally valuable opportunities within Nigeria, if only people are willing to explore and invest in them.
Chimezie also blamed colonial influence for Nigeria’s current mindset, saying it made many citizens undervalue their nation and themselves.
“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.
His comments have sparked mixed reactions online, with some Nigerians agreeing that patriotism and local innovation are key to national growth, while others argue that poor governance continues to push citizens to seek better lives abroad.
Watch the video below …
“The grass is not greener there… I don travel small.”
– Bright Chimezie pic.twitter.com/kTjj9caLbX
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) October 5, 2025