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Nigerian folklore music legend, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, has taken social media by storm as his timeless Igbo highlife song, “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo”, becomes the anthem of choice for content creators worldwide.
The dance moves appear to have become a challenge, with many people creating versions of it, thanks to popular comedian and content creator, Brain Jotter, who kickstarted the challenge.
The highlife song, ‘Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche‘ was released in 1983, 41 years ago, and undoubtedly lost in history until it was exhumed some days ago.
The decades-old song has experienced a remarkable resurgence on TikTok and other social media platforms.
The song’s deep meaning and rich representation of Igbo culture have resonated with today’s generation, propelling it to viral status.
A global competition has emerged, with users showcasing their creativity and talent using the song.
Social media users including celebrities have continued to jump on the dance move, “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo”.
Super Falcons’ star and FC Bay footballer, Asisat Oshoala, and some teammates, in an Instagram post, were seen making the dance moves after they touched down in Bordeaux before the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics.
Former Big Brother Naija housemate and actor, Tobi Bakre, also took to the dance challenge with his wife.
Other celebrities, Nollywood actors, dancers, comedians, entertainers, content creators have also jumped on the latest dance trend.
This unexpected boost has brought Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s 41-year-old song back into the spotlight.
Mike Ejeagha is now 93 years old and he released the song in 1983.
The song is an enchanting Igbo folklore tune that narrates the story of Enyi (the elephant) and Mbe (the tortoise).
In this tale, the cunning tortoise outsmarts the powerful elephant and sells him to the king, there by securing the hand of the princess in marriage.
The tortoise is a recurrent figure in Igbo folklore, often depicted as clever and shrewd.
The song’s catchy chorus, “Enyi Na Aga, Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo,” reflects the tortoise’s triumphant deceit as he leads the Elephant to the king.
Well-meaning Nigerians are paying homage to Mike Ejeagha in his house, he has been receiving cash gifts.
Unconfirmed reports suggested that Brain Jotter gifted him cash and a car.
The skit has become Brain Jotter’s most viewed video on Instagram, amassing an impressive four million likes and 500,000 comments.
This phenomenon has not only introduced Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s music to a new audience but also cemented his legacy as a pioneer of Nigerian folklore music.