Nigerian folklore music legend Mike “Gentleman” Ejeagha has found unexpected viral fame with his 1983 hit “Onye Ori Utaba,” thanks to the chant “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo” sparking a global dance challenge.
The 41-year-old song has taken social media by storm, largely due to popular comedian and skitmaker Chukwuebuka Emmanuel Amuzie, known as Brain Jotter. On July 5th, Brain Jotter posted an Instagram video showcasing a unique dance where participants face opposite directions, perform a comical leg dance, and chase each other to the chorus “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo.”
The clip quickly went viral, amassing nearly one million likes by July 21st and inspiring countless recreations across various social media platforms. The challenge has attracted a wide range of participants, including celebrities such as Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala and her teammates, who were seen performing the dance in Bordeaux before the 2024 Olympics opening ceremony. Former Big Brother Naija housemate Tobi Bakre and his wife also joined the trend, along with other celebrities like Sabinus, Crazeclown, and Ade.
Ejeagha’s song, which narrates 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 track, part of the Akuko Na Egwu album, Vol 1, tells the story of a tortoise who trades an elephant to his in-law in exchange for a princess he wishes to marry. The princess, having declined numerous proposals, informs her father, the king, that she seeks a groom who can present her with an elephant. The tortoise tricks the elephant by pretending to be the chairman of a ceremony, only to anger the giant when his deception is revealed.
In a heartfelt 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 was warmly received by fans, who praised Brain Jotter for his kindness.
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 a pioneer of Nigerian folklore music.
