Nigerian folklore music legend Mike “Gentleman” Ejeagha has found unexpected viral fame as his 1983 hit “Onye Ori Utaba” having the chant “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” ignites a global dance challenge.
The 41-year-old song has taken social media by storm, thanks to the creative use of the track by popular comedian and skitmaker Chukwuebuka Emmanuel Amuzie, known as Brain Jotter.
Brain Jotter’s initial Instagram video, posted on 5th July, showcased a unique dance involving participants facing opposite directions, performing a comical leg dance, and chasing each other to the chorus “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo.”
The challenge has attracted a wide range of participants, including celebrities. Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala and her teammates were seen performing the dance moves in Bordeaux before the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony.
Former Big Brother Naija housemate Tobi Bakre joined the trend with his wife.
Other celebrities including Sabinus, Crazeclown, and Ade, among others, have also jumped on the trend.
The 93-year-old Ejeagha’s song, which tells the tale of a cunning tortoise outsmarting an elephant, has resonated with a new generation, bringing renewed attention to Nigerian folklore and Igbo culture.
The song, as part of the Akuko Na Egwu album, Vol 1, narrates the tale of a cunning tortoise who traded an elephant to his in-law in exchange for a princess he desired to marry.
The princess had declined numerous proposals until her father, the king, enquired as to why. She informed him that she was in search of a groom who would present her with an elephant. Next, the tortoise tricked the elephant by pretending to be the chairman of a ceremony.
However, the cunning tortoise—a common figure in Igbo mythology — only succeeded in tricking his friend, which infuriated the giant.
In a turn of events, Brain Jotter expressed his desire to meet Ejeagha on Sunday. By Monday, he had shared a photo of their meeting on Instagram, captioning it, “So happy I did this. Story coming soon.”
This gesture has been warmly received by fans, with many praising Brain Jotter for his kindness.
However, the viral challenge has brought substantial attention to Ejeagha, with well-wishers visiting his home and offering gifts.
The unexpected resurgence of “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” has not only introduced Ejeagha’s music to a new audience but also cemented his legacy as one of the pioneers of Nigerian folklore music.
